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cognitive decline

This shows older people walking in a park and a brain.

·September 16, 2025·7 min read

Lifestyle Changes Show Power to Prevent Alzheimer’s

A growing body of research underscores that Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline are not inevitable parts of aging. Lifestyle interventions targeting exercise, diet, social engagement, and cognitive stimulation have been shown in large clinical trials to improve brain function and slow decline.

Neuroscience

·September 15, 2025·5 min read

Boosting Protein Keeps Neurons Healthy and Extend Lifespan

Scientists have identified a new therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases by boosting a protein called PI31, which ensures proteasomes reach synapses to clear protein waste. In fruit flies and mice, restoring PI31 prevented neuronal degeneration, reversed motor defects, and even extended lifespan nearly fourfold.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·September 10, 2025·5 min read

Eye Protein Levels Linked to Cognitive Decline

A new study reveals that levels of the SLIT2 protein in eye and blood samples are linked to cognitive performance in middle-aged adults. Researchers found that lower SLIT2 in vitreous humor correlated with poorer memory and global cognition, while higher SLIT2 in plasma also predicted lower cognitive scores.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·September 10, 2025·4 min read

Brain Iron Levels Predict Cognitive Decline Risk

A new study demonstrates that brain iron levels, measured with a special MRI technique, can predict cognitive decline years before symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease appear. Researchers followed 158 cognitively healthy older adults and found that higher iron levels in memory-related regions of the brain were associated with a greater risk of mild cognitive impairment.

This shows a brain made of sugar cubes, surrounded by sweetener packets.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·September 7, 2025·6 min read

Artificial Sweeteners Tied to Faster Cognitive Decline

A large study of nearly 13,000 adults found that consuming high levels of certain artificial sweeteners is linked to faster declines in memory and thinking over eight years. The effect was particularly strong in people with diabetes and those under 60. Some sweeteners, like aspartame and saccharin, were strongly associated with decline, while tagatose was not.

This shows an older man surrounded by faces with different expressions.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·August 26, 2025·3 min read

Elderly Positivity Bias May Signal Early Cognitive Decline

New research suggests that the tendency of older adults to misinterpret neutral or negative emotions as positive may be a warning sign of cognitive decline. In a study of 665 participants, positivity bias was associated with poorer cognitive performance but not with emotional decline such as depression.

This shows an older man walking on a golden path, surrounded by networks of people.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·August 25, 2025·6 min read

Having a Purpose in Life Linked to Lower Dementia Risk

A new study of over 13,000 adults found that having a strong sense of purpose in life is linked to a reduced risk of dementia. Those with higher purpose were 28% less likely to develop cognitive impairment, even when accounting for genetic risk and other factors.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·July 11, 2025·5 min read

Common Pain Medication Linked to Cognitive Decline Risk

A large U.S. medical records study has found that adults prescribed gabapentin six or more times for chronic low back pain face significantly higher risks of dementia (29%) and mild cognitive impairment (85%) within 10 years. The risks were especially pronounced in younger adults aged 35–64, where rates of cognitive decline more than doubled or tripled compared to those not on the drug.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·June 30, 2025·6 min read

Mimicking Exercise in the Brain Could Slow Cognitive Decline

While physical activity is known to slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease, many patients are unable to exercise due to frailty or advanced symptoms. A new study identifies a specific gene, ATPPIF1, that is reactivated through exercise and supports neuroplasticity in the brain.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 26, 2025·4 min read

Staying Active Slows Cognitive Decline

Regular physical activity isn’t just good for the body—it protects the brain as we age. A 16-year study of over 13,000 adults found that sustained physical activity significantly slowed cognitive decline.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·June 19, 2025·4 min read

Brain Age Gap May Predict Cognitive Decline

A new study reveals that the brain age gap—the difference between a brain’s biological age and chronological age—may influence how risk factors like diabetes and high blood pressure affect cognitive function. Using machine learning to analyze brain scans from over 1,400 older adults, researchers found that a greater brain age gap was linked to poorer thinking and memory skills.

This shows a person working early in the morning and one working at night.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 31, 2025·6 min read

Night Owls Face Faster Cognitive Decline

People who naturally stay up late, so-called "night owls", are more likely to experience faster cognitive decline than those who are early risers, according to a long-term study. Researchers found that unhealthy behaviors common in the evening, such as poor sleep, smoking, and drinking, may explain part of this risk.