Brief digital mindfulness interventions show lasting impact on depression
New research suggests that short-term online mindfulness programs can ease depression, especially when they help people become less reactive to distressing thoughts. Longer-term benefits were more likely when mindfulness was combined with cognitive techniques.
Five reasons young-onset dementia often goes unrecognized
Despite affecting thousands under 65, young-onset dementia is frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked. This article outlines five key reasons why the condition remains under-recognized—and why better awareness is essential for early support and care.
Long-term SSRI use linked to reduced Alzheimer’s pathology but mixed effects on cognition
A new study suggests long-term SSRI use may reduce markers of Alzheimer’s disease and restore brain function in affected regions, but the impact on cognitive performance remains mixed depending on how it’s measured.
Biomarkers in spinal fluid may flag frontotemporal dementia before symptoms emerge
A large-scale analysis of spinal fluid has identified distinct protein patterns that may allow for earlier diagnosis and monitoring of frontotemporal dementia, a midlife-onset brain disorder often misdiagnosed due to its wide-ranging symptoms and lack of biomarkers.
Menopause symptoms may signal future dementia risk, new research suggests
Hot flashes and brain fog during menopause may be warning signs of more than just hormonal changes. A new study links the number of menopause symptoms to future risks of cognitive decline and behavioral changes tied to dementia.
Cannabidiol shows promise for treating Alzheimer’s in mice by targeting brain hyperactivity
In a study using an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model, researchers found that cannabidiol reduced memory loss and brain abnormalities. The compound worked by enhancing the function of glycine receptors, which help regulate neuronal activity in the brain's memory center.
A common childhood virus could be silently fueling Alzheimer’s disease in old age
A virus best known for causing cold sores may dramatically increase the risk of Alzheimer’s in people with a specific gene variant. New evidence suggests herpes reactivation in the brain may trigger the destructive changes seen in the disease.
Sense of purpose emerges as key predictor of cognitive functioning in older adults
A large study tracking older adults over a decade found that higher psychological well-being predicts better cognitive health—and vice versa. The strongest effects were seen for people with a strong sense of purpose.
Using tech in later life may protect against cognitive decline, study suggests
New research involving over 411,000 adults finds that greater use of technology, such as computers and smartphones, is linked to reduced cognitive decline in later life—offering a hopeful counterpoint to the “digital dementia” narrative.
Mindfulness may be a window into brain health in early Alzheimer’s risk
Dispositional mindfulness is lower in people with mild cognitive impairment compared to those with subjective concerns, and brain imaging points to emotion-related connectivity differences that may reflect early neurodegenerative processes.
Scientists find 16 new Alzheimer’s-linked genes using multi-ancestry genome data
A groundbreaking genome-wide analysis has revealed new genetic regions associated with Alzheimer’s disease—many missed in past studies focused on European populations. The findings point to underexplored biological pathways and highlight the value of studying diverse ancestry groups.
New eye test may detect Alzheimer’s disease years before symptoms emerge, study suggests
A low-cost, noninvasive eye scan could help detect Alzheimer’s disease earlier than current methods. The technique may expand access to early diagnosis, especially in underserved communities, and provide a valuable tool for intervention before irreversible brain damage occurs.
Could this natural protein be the key to reversing age-related memory loss?
Scientists have discovered that increasing levels of a protein called Hevin in the brain reverses memory loss in aging and Alzheimer’s model mice. The findings suggest a new way to improve cognition without targeting amyloid plaques.
Loss of empathy in frontotemporal dementia traced to weakened brain signals
A brain scan study comparing dementia patients to healthy individuals reveals how frontotemporal dementia impairs emotional empathy. The findings could help scientists understand the disease’s early progression and eventually guide development of targeted interventions.
Caffeine and Alzheimer’s disease: Moderate intake may slow cognitive decline
A recent review published in Cureus explores the relationship between caffeine and Alzheimer’s disease. The findings suggest that higher caffeine intake may reduce the risk of cognitive decline, especially in people with early symptoms of memory impairment.
