Brain health Archive

More than 30% of adults over 70 have amyloid or tau (proteins implicated in the development of Alzheimer’s disease) in their brains yet have no apparent cognitive problems. This may indicate greater cognitive reserve, the brain’s ability to compensate for damage.

Neurogenesis is the birth of new nerve cells, called neurons, in the brain. The ability to grow new neurons appears more prominent in super-agers, people 80 and older whose thinking and memory skills are as sharp as adults who are decades younger.

Tingling, leg weakness, and voice changes can be alarming. Learn how doctors sort out these symptoms and when Parkinson's disease may be suspected.

Encephalitis, or brain inflammation, can cause symptoms ranging from mild, flu‑like illness to life‑threatening confusion and coma. Causes, recovery, and urgent treatments vary by virus.

When tremors progress from a mild nuisance to disrupting daily life, specific therapies may offer relief and help steady your movements.

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 2025 study of 250 people found that the brain can tell the immune system to prepare for impending infection even before a microbe enters the body. Scientists asked volunteers to don virtual reality headsets that showed various virtual people approaching them. Some of those approaching appeared to be healthy and others appeared to be sick. Brain scans and blood tests showed that participants' brains activated their immune systems when a virtual sick person simply came near them.

Essential tremor is marked by involuntary shaking of one or more body parts, such as the hands, arms, legs, or head. Avoiding caffeine and stress and getting plenty of rest can be helpful. Several medications are available to ease the symptoms.