Stroke Archive

Multitasking involves coupling one unconscious activity, such as walking on a treadmill, with a conscious one, such as reading a book. Task-switching involves attempting two conscious tasks at the same time. Constant task-switching can undermine focus, concentration, and working memory.

A 2026 study found that larger waist measurements increased heart disease-related risks, even among people with normal weight. Obesity with a small waist conferred no greater risks compared to people with normal weight and a small waist.

Vascular dementia, which results from brain cell damage due to reduced blood flow, can cause slowed thinking, confusion, and other cognitive changes. Carefully controlling risk factors for cardiovascular disease may help prevent vascular dementia.

Men without evidence of low testosterone levels (hypogonadism) who use testosterone appear to face a higher risk of serious cardiovascular problems and death from all causes than men who use testosterone replacement therapy for documented hypogonadism, according to a 2026 study.

Physical activity, even as little as 15 minutes a day of moderate-intensity exercise, is linked with a lower risk of stroke and death in people with atrial fibrillation.

When clonazepam doesn’t ease the unsteadiness of orthostatic tremor, other medicines may offer options to discuss with your doctor.

Several factors increase the risk for complications from COVID-19 or influenza and should prompt someone to request an antiviral medication as soon as possible, even if they have been vaccinated or have had the infections before. The risk factors are age (being 65 or older), an impaired immune system, and underlying conditions (especially heart or lung disease). Pregnant women also are at increased risk for severe influenza and COVID, and should consider taking an antiviral.

Transparent circles or other visual changes can appear before migraine pain. Find out what these symptoms may mean and what to discuss with your doctor.

Symptoms of atrial fibrillation include a fluttering, pounding sensation in the chest and a lightheaded, dizzy, or breathless feeling. But about a quarter of people with this disorder don’t notice any symptoms.