Brain health Archive

A Harvard study of over 159,000 people found that following any of six healthy diets-especially the DASH diet-was linked to significantly better cognitive function in later life, with the strongest benefits seen in those who were following a healthy diet in middle age.

A 2026 study suggested that helping care for grandchildren can offer cognitive benefits, helping older adults maintain stronger memory and language skills. Grandmothers who helped with childcare-related tasks also showed less overall cognitive decline over time than non-caregiving peers.

LATE dementia (which stands for limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy) was formally recognized in 2019. LATE and Alzheimer's disease both involve progressive memory loss, but LATE usually advances more slowly than Alzheimer's.

People who have gout, which results from excess uric acid in the body, are at increased risk for heart disease and stroke. A 2026 study found that maintaining uric acid levels below 6 mg/dL with medication reduced the risk for heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death.

The scientific understanding of HDL cholesterol has evolved in recent years, and many cardiologists now believe that HDL may be more of a bystander rather than a "good guy" that helps lower heart disease risk. While some types of HDL are great at plucking excess cholesterol from LDL and artery walls (a process referred to as reverse cholesterol transport) other types of HDL don't do this. In clinical trials, medications to raise HDL levels-including a drug specifically designed to improve reverse cholesterol transport-have not succeeded in lowering heart attacks and strokes.

Wondering if sour cream, yogurt, nuts, peanut butter, or other foods are migraine triggers? Learn which foods are proven culprits and how to spot your triggers.

Name slips and misplaced keys can feel unsettling in your 70s. Learn which memory changes are typical and when they might signal something more.

A blackout can be frightening and confusing. Learn what clues doctors look for and which tests help uncover the cause.

A diagnosis of gastroparesis can be confusing and worrisome. Learn what's happening in the stomach and which steps may help relieve symptoms.

Depression and migraines often travel together, with each able to worsen the other.