Latest news with #cognitiveHealth
Daily Mail
13 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
How eating strawberries each day could help keep dementia at bay
The arrival of the first British strawberries of the year is always a treat. But now scientists have shown that as well as satisfying our tastebuds, they could help to ward off dementia too. Research has revealed that the fruit can boost the speed at which older people's brains process information. Age-related decline in cognitive processing speed is known to be a symptom of dementia – a disease which affects nearly 900,000 in the UK. The findings come as Britain prepares to enjoy one of its best strawberry crops in years. Shoppers have been told to expect giant berries twice the normal size after weeks of dry, sunny weather boosted growth. This is welcome news for a country which consumes a whopping 168,000 tons a year. Previous research has already shown that the chemicals known as flavonoids which strawberries contain can bolster heart health. And in the latest study, a team from San Diego State University in the US recruited 35 men and women in their 70s to see if the same effects could be seen in the brain. The scientists gave participants a freeze-dried strawberry powder, made with a handful of fresh berries, to mix in water and drink every day for eight weeks. They then repeated the experiment with a fruit-flavoured powder which contained none of the health-boosting ingredients found in strawberries. Researchers then got the volunteers to perform cognitive tests. They found a marked improvement in the brain's processing speed following consumption of the strawberry powder but little change with the fruit drink. Although there was little improvement in scores for memory tests after consuming strawberries, researchers said the change in processing capacity was significant. Slower processing speed is known to hamper people's driving skills and make financial decisions more difficult. The strawberries also helped to lower blood pressure and led to increased levels of disease-fighting antioxidants in the blood, the results published in journal Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases showed. The researchers said: 'Strawberry consumption may improve cognitive function and there is accumulating support for its effects on brain health.'
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Taboo habit millions do behind closed doors shockingly linked to DEMENTIA
Tens of millions of Americans engage in a taboo habit that scientists have warned could pose risks to cognitive health. A recent study found that regularly viewing pornography can immediately reduce a person's performance on tasks requiring attention and cognitive control right after exposure to explicit content. Impaired executive function and reduced cognitive performance are known early markers of cognitive decline, a precursor to dementia. Research has suggested that if such effects are sustained or repeated over time, they could potentially contribute to long-term health risks. In the study, college students watched a 10-minute internet pornographic video chosen for its high viewership. Before and after viewing, they completed a test that measures focus and attention control by requiring them to name the ink color of a word, even when the word spells out a different color, along with three psychological questionnaires. Scientists observed that after watching pornography, participants had significantly slower reaction times and made more errors on the test compared to their performance before viewing. Additionally, the brain activity patterns seen in these students resembled those found in individuals with drug addiction and schizophrenia. Approximately 69 percent of men and 40 percent of women in the U.S. view online pornography each year. Among young adults aged 18 to 25, 57 percent report using porn monthly or more often, compared to 29 percent of those aged 25 and older. Porn addiction is more prevalent among men, with 11 percent reporting having the issue. The study was conducted by scientists from Chengdu Medical College in China, who recruited 16 healthy college students and five college students with severe internet pornography addiction. Participants completed the test, watched the 10-minute pornography video, and then did the test again, while scientists monitored their brain activity. Each group completed 18 rounds of the test, with each round lasting two seconds. The results revealed clear differences between the two groups. Low-frequency users demonstrated stronger connectivity in brain regions involved in language processing, movement coordination and sensory input. While the high-frequency users showed increased connectivity in areas associated with executive functions, which are commonly linked to addiction and emotional regulation. This suggests that frequent pornography consumption may produce neural and behavioral effects similar to other types of addiction. However, the team noted that the low-frequency group also showed slower accuracy and increased reaction while taking the test. Those findings suggest that even if people viewing porn sporadically, they will still experience cognitive effects. The study also examined emotional responses during viewing. Participants who watched pornography less frequently displayed a wider range of emotions, such as surprise, fear, and disgust, while frequent viewers showed more muted or neutral facial expressions. This supports the idea that repeated exposure to explicit content may dull emotional sensitivity over time. In addition to cognitive effects, the high-frequency group scored significantly higher on anxiety and depression questionnaires. Although the study does not establish whether pornography use causes these symptoms or if they arise from other factors, the results align with earlier research connecting heavy pornography consumption to increased emotional distress. 'The effects of internet pornography addiction on brain functional connectivity in the prefrontal lobe exhibit characteristics similar to those of drug addiction,' the researchers concluded. 'Moreover, individuals who frequently consume internet pornography report that they experience stronger sexual arousal and heightened pleasure while viewing, which subsequently adversely affects their cognition and emotions.' A separate study, released in May 2024, evaluated thousands of adults across the world for 'problematic pornography use,' That was defined as watching enough pornography as hurting relationships and job performance, and found that three percent of people exhibited concerning usage, but less than one percent sought treatment. Dr Beatha Bőthe, lead study author and psychologist at the University of Montreal, said: 'Our research shows that the problematic pornography use may be more common than many might think and affects a wide range of people. 'It highlights that while many are struggling, not many seek help. That's important because it suggests that more work needs to be done to understand and support those who are affected by it.'
Telegraph
14-06-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
I'm a dementia professor. Here's how I'm reducing my risk
The human brain is endlessly fascinating, as is how people lose their memory, and how that affects their thinking and interactions. So I've always been drawn to working with older people. Dementia is the umbrella term for the symptoms of a group of diseases (Alzheimer's being the most common) that cause a decline in cognitive abilities, including memory, thinking and reasoning. When I first entered medicine, there was an assumption that little could be done to ward off dementia in old age. While age remains the biggest risk factor, over the course of my career it has emerged that up to 45 per cent of cases are preventable, or at least their onset can be delayed. Our research identified 14 lifestyle factors that you can now control and reduce your risk of developing the disease This breakthrough is extremely exciting, a beacon of hope. Knowing that measures can be taken inspires me personally to stay as well as I can. Here's what you can do, too. Wear hearing aids My family has a history of early-onset hearing loss and I've worn hearing aids for nearly 10 years, since I was in my mid-50s. I got tested after my husband told me that my hearing wasn't as good as it used to be. I know there's a stigma with hearing aids – it makes people feel old. And even though as a doctor I know this is ridiculous, I also felt this. But it's too important to be put off. The single biggest modifiable risk factor with dementia is untreated hearing loss. A decade ago this seemed controversial, but now multiple studies show that those with hearing loss in midlife are about 40 per cent more likely to develop dementia (compared with those without hearing loss). Scans show that the brain actually shrinks – there's loss of brain mass – in those with hearing loss. The encouraging news is that the evidence to date shows that using hearing aids takes away that increased risk, as natural studies and one randomised control trial have indicated. Hearing aids do stop working quite frequently, so you do need to change batteries or charge them, and return to the audiologist for repairs. What I've noticed is that many people aren't actually aware they have hearing loss; they blame other people for muttering, or turn up the television instead, thinking it doesn't matter. But, slowly, people find themselves going out less because they can't hear well, and become embarrassed they're not catching everything. Probably the biggest stimulation for our brain is having a conversation with someone: listening and responding. Once people start withdrawing and isolating themselves, they're getting even less stimulation, and there can be a cascade of behaviours harmful for the brain. Get your eyesight checked The role that vision loss has to play in dementia has become clear more recently, and has now been added to the list of 14 modifiable risks. People who can't read more than halfway down the line of the optician's eye chart would be classified as having vision loss, and research shows that untreated vision loss makes us about 50 per cent more likely to develop dementia (than those without vision loss). I've been myopic (short-sighted) since I was a small child, so I've always worn glasses and attended optician appointments, so they pick up and correct any changes in my eyesight. Currently we don't know exactly why there's a relationship between vision loss and dementia. But in the way that hearing loss means people have less input in terms of cognitive stimulation, it's the same with vision loss. When people are restricted from walking around, or rapidly reading things, or socialising, your brain is receiving less stimulation. That's why eye tests are crucial. But it's not just about being long or short sighted; common eye diseases such as cataracts are also risk factors. Picking these up means you can be treated. What surprises me is that people don't necessarily notice when their eyesight has deteriorated. A friend told me that while he was driving last year, his wife mentioned something she had spotted out the window. When he said, 'I can't see it,' she looked terrified and said, 'Stop the car – I'm driving!' It transpired that my friend, despite being a professor of medicine, had no idea he had cataracts, which he's since had treated. Get your eyes checked regularly – after the age of 40 you should do so every two years. And by our 60s there are few people who don't need some corrections to their vision. Keep on top of it. Make sure you're cholesterol aware I'm actually not on statins, because my cholesterol levels are fine. This is partly down to luck, but I'm careful to eat a lot of fruit and vegetables – I don't keep track, but I probably eat more like seven or eight a day instead of the recommended five. I also rarely eat red meat. But there are many people who eat a perfect diet and still have high cholesterol. They need statins to decrease LDL cholesterol. High cholesterol increases stroke risk and the build-up of proteins in the brain such as amyloid and tau. This may lead to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Keep track of your blood pressure I will probably take blood-pressure-lowering medication at some point, but I don't currently, as mine is still a bit below what they recommend as treatable. I'm thinking that I should consider treating it a bit earlier than 140[/90], which is when medication is usually given. I think anything much over 130/80s might be worth trying to medicate a bit sooner. It may be that high blood pressure leads to a lowering of cognitive reserve and therefore makes people more likely to show symptoms from a variety of brain pathologies. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage your blood vessels, including the blood vessels in the brain, which can interrupt the flow of blood, leading to a type of dementia known as vascular dementia. Don't drink too much and give up smoking Too much alcohol is another dementia risk. Excessive alcohol damages brains, plain and simple, but it's something we can ward against. I do enjoy wine, but I never drink more than the recommended amount. Make sure you know what a unit of alcohol actually looks like. I purposely use smaller wine goblets. When a friend came to stay, recently she remarked, 'Your glasses are very small.' But what it means is that you find you have had enough earlier and drink less. Of course, if you have large glasses, you pour more. The good news is that if you stop drinking excessively (less than 21 UK units of alcohol a week) you can lose your extra risk quickly – within a couple of years. I've never smoked, which is good, because smoking increases dementia risk through several mechanisms, including reducing blood flow to the brain, causing oxidative stress, and raising the risk of stroke. These factors can damage brain cells and increase the risk of developing vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Smoking also contributes to brain shrinkage, further impairing cognitive function. Like alcohol, after a couple of years stopping smoking means you lose your extra risk – provided you do not already have dementia. Don't drink coffee in the late afternoon I love coffee and have no desire to stop drinking it. It makes me feel more awake and keeps me going. There's some evidence that it might help reduce dementia risk, though it's not strong evidence admittedly. I make sure I don't drink it too late, as I don't want it to interfere with my sleep. Don't stress about sleep – just build a 'sleep pressure' We're not sure how sleep and dementia are linked. There is some evidence to suggest that a lack of sleep may increase a person's risk of dementia, but does poor sleep increase dementia risk, or does dementia lead to poor sleep? It's possible both these theories could be true, and the relationship could be circular, but it's not clear. Whatever the case, sleeping well is clearly good for enjoying life. Stressing about sleep never helps. The more you think about it, the less likely you are to manage to sleep. But if you try to get to bed at a reasonable time and to wake at the same time, you will probably be all right. I have to be an early riser for work, so I'm usually in bed by midnight and up before 7am. I keep active during the day and avoid napping, which ensures I build up a 'sleep pressure', a level of exhaustion that means I'm tired enough to sleep at night. If you're not tired enough, you will struggle to sleep. Keep active throughout the day We all need to move more. Several dementia risks – such as obesity, physical inactivity, high blood pressure and diabetes – can all be helped by taking plenty of exercise. I try to do more than 10,000 steps, on average, every single day, so I choose phone calls over video calls, if I can, so I can walk as I talk. Sometimes I listen to podcasts or music, or just quietly notice the world around me. I factor in extra time to walk to the station or meetings, and for many years now I've done weight training twice a week. My natural inclination is to sit on the sofa, which is why I have a personal trainer. I was overweight as a child and I do need to watch my weight. For some people, weight-loss jabs are amazing, and I think they will change things in the same way that drugs for diabetes and hypertension were a breakthrough. But there has to be policy change, too. It's no coincidence that the world suddenly got fat at the same time: humans didn't change but our environment did – the food we buy and the ease with which we can exist moving less. So while individuals have more control, there has to be change at a policy level, to reduce the amount of sugar and salt in our diets. Stay social and keep your brain working One of the best things for our health and ageing is socialising, because of the brain stimulus it provides. I know there's a lot of talk about puzzles and sudoku and the like, but I don't personally agree. I read and write my papers all the time at work and I feel that I'm cognitively stimulated by talking to friends and family and going out with them. The important thing about brain training is doing different things, so if you do sudoku regularly, you get good at sudoku, but it's not general brain training. Don't obsess over longevity, it's not realistic As much as I try to do everything I can to stay physically and cognitively well, no one lives forever; we all die and most of us get ill in the end. The best I aim for is to have a long, healthy life and a short, unhealthy bit at the end. It's unrealistic to expect to live forever – yet it will be possible for most people to live healthier for longer. If everyone took precautions to avoid these risks, there would be fewer people getting dementia, and those who did get it would get it for a shorter length of time. We call it a 'compaction of morbidity', to try to get these disabling illnesses for only a short time. So, I try not to worry about which is worse: losing my mental or physical faculties. Instead I focus on remaining well for as long as possible, and make sure things are in place for my husband and children, for example, to have power of attorney, like we had for my own parents. Both my father and my mother died with dementia. It was strange going from the role of doctor to the daughter of ill parents, but my knowledge was helpful, too, because I understood what was happening. So before they became sick, my three siblings and I had discussed the future with them and set up lasting power of attorney. I've talked with my husband and two adult children about how I see the end of my life so they know the sort of things I want. If I have an illness, I do not want to prolong dying or be kept alive, unconscious, for a long time. It's better to discuss it when everyone is well, so that it seems a long way off and not a frightening thing. In the end, none of us know whether we'll be well tomorrow. What does the future hold for Alzheimer's? My hope for dementia is that we find more effective drugs, because the ones that have been approved for use in the UK by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) – lecanemab and donanemab – are difficult to use, there are side effects, and they do too little. These first drugs aren't perfect, but show us what's possible. This, ultimately, will lead to better drugs – and we're just at the start of that journey now. But what is my biggest hope? That fewer people get dementia to begin with, because prevention is always considerably better than any drugs. As told to Susanna Galton Prof Gill Livingstone is supporting Alzheimer's Society's Forget Me Not Appeal, which funds life-changing support and groundbreaking research for the UK's biggest killer – dementia. Donate at
Health Line
13-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Cognitive Changes with Secondary Progressive MS
This progressive form of multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause changes in memory and other cognitive abilities, ranging from mild to severe. Knowing what to look for and how to manage the changes can make a difference. Secondary progressive MS (SPMS) can affect both physical health and cognitive abilities. Results from a small 2025 study found that just over 55% of people with SPMS experience some form of cognitive impairment. The condition may affect memory and slow down the speed at which the brain processes information. It may also reduce communication abilities, reasoning faculties, or attention span. These cognitive effects are often mild and manageable, but they can vary in severity from person to person. You can take steps to help maintain your cognitive health if you live SPMS. To manage the cognitive effects of SPMS, it's important to be proactive. Here are some strategies you can use to identify and manage cognitive changes. Watch out for signs of cognitive changes SPMS is a progressive condition. Over time, it can cause new cognitive symptoms to develop and also cause existing symptoms to get worse. To identify cognitive changes, go for regular screenings. Guidelines from 2018 recommend that people with MS be screened for cognitive changes every year. It's also important to let your doctor know if you notice changes in your cognitive abilities. For example, you might be experiencing cognitive changes if you're: forgetting things more than you used to having difficulty finding the right words to express yourself finding it more challenging to keep up with conversations or familiar activities showing signs of impaired judgment or decision making skills finding it harder to navigate social relationships receiving less positive evaluations at school or work If you notice changes in your memory, concentration, or other cognitive abilities, let your doctor know. They may use one or more tests to check for cognitive decline. Identify the cause of changes If you experience cognitive decline, your doctor may use one or more tests to identify the cause of those changes. SPMS is one of many things that can affect your cognition. Other medical conditions, certain medications, or lifestyle factors may also impair your cognitive abilities. Your doctor's recommended treatment plan will depend on the cause of the cognitive changes. Your doctor may also refer you to a psychologist or other specialist for testing and treatment. Try cognition exercises and activities To manage cognitive symptoms of SPMS, a healthcare professional may advise cognitive rehabilitation exercises. Some 2020 research has found that implementing certain at-home, computer-based learning and memory techniques may help improve cognitive function in people with SPMS. Your doctor or specialist may also encourage you to participate in mentally stimulating activities. This may help build your cognitive reserves. For example, you might find it helpful to complete crossword puzzles, play card games, write poetry, or learn to play a musical instrument. If your doctor or specialist believes the cognitive changes are due to another medical condition, they may recommend other treatments to manage it. If they think the cognitive changes are a side effect of medication that you're taking, they may advise changes to your treatment plan. They may also advise you to make changes to your diet, exercise routine, or sleep habits. An overall healthy lifestyle is important for supporting your physical and mental health. Make small changes to your daily habits Tweaking your daily habits may help you manage changes to your cognitive abilities. For example, it might help to: Make more time for rest and take breaks when you feel fatigued or distracted. Focus on one thing at a time and limit the amount of multitasking that you do. Reduce background noise and other distractions when you're trying to concentrate. Use an agenda, journal, or note-taking app to keep track of upcoming appointments, to-do lists, important ideas, and other information. Set alerts on your smartphone to remind yourself about important dates, deadlines, or daily tasks. If you're finding it difficult to manage your responsibilities, you may need to scale back on commitments at work, school, or in your personal life. If you can no longer work due to the cognitive effects of SPMS, let your doctor know. They may refer you to a social worker or other professional who can help you learn if you're eligible for government-sponsored disability benefits.
Health Line
11-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
The Stages of Dementia
Dementia refers to a category of diseases that affects your cognitive functions, such as memory and behavior. Symptoms typically worsen over time and may progress in three stages. Key takeaways Dementia progresses through three common stages — early, middle, and late — with the early stage lasting around 2 years, the middle stage lasting 2 to 4 years, and the late stage typically lasting 1 to 2 years. The middle stage involves increased confusion, forgetfulness, behavioral changes, and a need for daily support, while people may still maintain some independence in the early stage with milder symptoms like memory lapses and personality changes. Late stage dementia requires full-time assistance, with severe symptoms including inability to communicate, recognize faces, loss of physical abilities like walking and swallowing, and increased susceptibility to infections. There are three common stages of dementia: early, middle, and late. These highlight the progression and severity of symptoms. Although most people with dementia progress through these stages, each person progresses at different speeds. For example, some people's symptoms rapidly progress from mild to severe, while others may take years to move from one stage to another. The average person with Alzheimer's disease — which accounts for 60–80% of dementia cases — lives 4–8 years after receiving the diagnosis. That said, some people may live as many as 20 years after their diagnosis. It's estimated that 7 million people in the United States, ages 65 and older, had dementia in 2020. As life expectancy increases and the older population continues to grow, current trends suggest this number may nearly double by 2040. Early stage The early stage of dementia, also known as mild dementia, is when a person starts to experience symptoms. These early signs may sometimes be hard to notice. People in this stage may still function independently. But, they might also experience memory lapses that affect daily life, such as forgetting words or where things are. Other common symptoms of early stage dementia include: early memory loss, such as forgetting recent events personality changes, such as becoming more subdued or withdrawn getting lost or having trouble orientating themselves, even in familiar places difficulty with problem-solving and complex tasks such as managing finances trouble organizing or expressing thoughts People in this early stage may also become irritated, anxious, or frustrated with their changing abilities. It's important to encourage people with dementia to do the tasks they can still do and help them with those they may be struggling with. This stage typically lasts 2 years. Middle stage People in the middle stage of dementia, also known as moderate dementia, experience more noticeable symptoms. It will likely become harder to perform daily tasks, such as getting dressed, eating, and bathing. In the middle stage, people might also require daily support from a caregiver at home. Alternatively, some people move to an assisted living home where dementia support is provided. Common symptoms of middle stage dementia include: increased confusion or poor judgment increased forgetfulness, such as the names of friends and family members increased short-term memory loss which may look like repeating themselves increased long-term memory loss, such as forgetting events in the distant past signs of delerium, paranoia, or hallucinations Personality and behavioral changes, sometimes caused by agitation and unfounded suspicions, may also happen more frequently. This might include: changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping during the day and feeling restless at night screaming, yelling, or shouting confusion, disorientation, or restlessness at sundown (sundowning) saying inappropriate things This is typically the longest stage of dementia. On average, it lasts between 2 and 4 years. Late stage People in the late stage of dementia, also known as severe dementia, may likely require full-time assistance at home or in a nursing home. In this stage, life expectancy is also greatly reduced. Severe symptoms might include: an inability to communicate, such as only being able to speak in their childhood language an altered perception of time needing full-time assistance with daily tasks, such as eating, dressing, and bathing an inability to recognize faces of friends, family, or even themselves in a mirror loss of physical abilities, such as walking, sitting, swallowing, or holding one's head up incontinence increased susceptibility to infections, such as pneumonia This is typically the shortest stage of dementia. It may last 1–2 years. Frequently asked questions How fast do the stages of dementia progress? Progressing through the three stages of dementia varies for each person. According to the Alzheimer's Society, each stage typically lasts: early stage: 2 years middle stage: 2–4 years late stage: 1–2 years What is the usual progression of dementia? The progression of dementia depends on a few factors, such as the age when a person is diagnosed and the type of dementia they have. But dementia often progresses through three stages. The early stage is when someone experiences mild symptoms, such as confusion and misplacing items. They are still largely independent at this stage. The middle stage is when someone might need assistance to perform daily tasks, such as eating and bathing. Behavioral and personality changes become more significant, too. The late stage is when symptoms are most severe. People often require full-time care and might be challenged by daily physical and cognitive tasks, such as walking, swallowing, and speaking. What are the signs of dementia progressing? As people move through the stages of dementia, their cognitive and physical abilities gradually decline. Some signs and symptoms to look out for include: wandering, getting lost, or being unable to orientate themselves trouble communicating memory loss and increased forgetfulness trouble recognizing familiar landmarks and faces increased agitation, aggression, or restlessness trouble walking, eating, or controlling bowel movements Takeaway People with dementia may progress through these three common stages at different speeds and with differing symptoms. If you suspect you may be experiencing early symptoms of dementia, speak with a doctor.
