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Mind & Mood Archive

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Shingles vaccine may protect against dementia

A 2025 study suggested that getting the shingles vaccine can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing dementia, especially among women.

The simple memory and attention booster you can do anywhere for free

Mindfulness might help improve attention and memory. Mindfulness is the practice of focusing on the present moment, including thoughts, feelings, and all information coming in from the senses, such as sights, sounds, and smells. Many studies have shown that mindfulness helps people improve well-being, concentrate, engage more effectively in daily activities, and pay more attention. Attention is the most crucial factor when it comes to memory; whatever someone pays attention to is what he or she remembers.

Can A.I. help us find a dementia cure?

Doctors are optimistic that artificial intelligence (A.I.) will one day play a role in curing and preventing Alzheimer's disease. One example of A.I.'s application is its use in helping scientists learn how certain molecules might cause Alzheimer's.

Does this vaccine ward off dementia?

A 2025 study found that the shingles vaccine reduced the risk of developing dementia by 20%. The study supports (but doesn't absolutely prove) the theory that infections may be one cause of Alzheimer's disease and possibly other forms of dementia.

How to avoid catastrophic thinking

People trapped in catastrophic thought patterns are convinced everything is awful and won't improve, which creates a constant sense of helplessness, anxiety, and stress. One way to stop this doomsday thinking is learning how to mentally pivot. Mental pivoting is the action of consciously deciding to deflect thoughts when they arise, so they don't fester and grow. By doing this, people can feel more in control of invasive thoughts when they arise.

Depression tied to risky driving in older adults

A 2024 study indicated that adults 65 and older with major depression are more likely to exhibit risky driving behaviors such as speeding, hard braking, and hard cornering.

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