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A green-Mediterranean diet may slow brain aging

A 2025 study suggested that following a green-Mediterranean diet - which includes walnuts, green tea, and the aquatic plant Mankai - may be linked with slower brain aging.

Several risk factors in midlife may lead to dementia

Researchers have found that high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking had the greatest association with the likelihood of a dementia diagnosis as people age. Managing these issues could offer protection.

Try this: Light therapy

Light therapy uses light boxes that emit a bright, white light. Exposure to this light can control a person's circadian rhythm-the body's internal 24-hour sleep-wake clock-and help manage and prevent seasonal affective disorder.

Advancing age and mental health disorders

People have a 50% chance of developing at least one mental health disorder by age 75, according to some research. Among men, the most common are alcohol use disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders, with social anxiety disorder being the most prevalent of those. Many men miss the early warning signs of these disorders, or when they do, they often try to push through, which can worsen the symptoms. But identifying when they might have a problem is the first step toward seeking help.

Dogs and cats may slow cognitive decline

A 2025 study suggests that owning a dog or cat may help slow cognitive decline as people age.

Can our brain talk to our immune system?

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.

Maintaining a sense of purpose in later life may protect against dementia

In a 2025 study, adults 45 and older with a strong sense of purpose were 28% less likely to develop cognitive impairment or dementia compared with individuals who had a low sense of purpose.

Chronic insomnia may raise the risk of cognitive decline

People who suffer from chronic insomnia are more likely to develop cognitive problems and score lower on thinking and memory tests compared with individuals without chronic insomnia, a 2025 study suggests.

Mediterranean diet may lower risk of Alzheimer's disease in people with high-risk genes

A 2025 study of over 5,600 women and men followed for over 30 years found that following a Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and improve cognitive function. The effect is strongest in people who carry two copies of the Alzheimer's risk gene APOE4.

Artificial sweeteners may speed declines in memory and thinking

A 2025 study suggested that consuming larger amounts of artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and xylitol may be linked to faster declines in memory and thinking skills.

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