Brain

Reading is a complex activity that engages multiple areas of the brain and brings together processes involved in understanding language. Through years of research, scientists have uncovered new insights into how reading influences brain function and may contribute to long-term cognitive health.

Alcohol has been part of human culture for thousands of years, but its impact on health remains a topic of debate. Even after centuries of drinking, people still disagree about whether moderate alcohol consumption can have health benefits or whether the risks outweigh any potential advantages. Knowing where the potential risks begin can help you make informed choices about alcohol.

Losing muscle and gaining body fat as we get older is pretty common, but it may have consequences that go beyond strength and mobility. In a new study, researchers looked at the connection between muscle loss, excess body fat, and dementia risk and found some interesting differences. They brought together findings from multiple studies to get a better sense of how these factors may be related.

Watching a lot of TV may be linked to changes in the brain. New research has found that those who watched tv very often had decreased volumes in several brain regions, including areas important for memory and regions connected to Alzheimer’s disease. These findings raise questions about whether heavy TV viewing could contribute to a higher risk of dementia.

The risk of dementia may be influenced long before symptoms appear. New research suggests that avoiding three key midlife risks could help extend the number of years people live without dementia. Those free of all three risk factors experienced roughly 13 additional dementia-free years compared with people affected by all three.

As we grow older, the communication networks connecting the brain’s nerve cells can begin to break down, slowing memory and thinking. A new study suggests that speaking many languages may help protect these networks. The more languages people spoke, the younger their brains appeared.

Being alone isn't necessarily harmful, but feeling lonely may be. According to a new study, older adults who experience persistent loneliness may face a faster decline in both cognitive and physical health. The researchers found that loneliness remained strongly linked to poorer brain health and an increased risk of early death, regardless of how socially isolated a person was.

Could the speed of your daily walk reveal how well your brain is aging? According to new research, the answer may be yes. Scientists found that senior adults who naturally walked at a brisker pace showed bettermemory, thinking skills, and healthier brain characteristics than slower walkers, suggesting that something as simple as walking faster could help support long-term brain health.

The foods consumed during pregnancy may influence more than just a baby’s growth. High consumption of fructose from sugary foods and drinks during pregnancy has been associated with increased risks of diabetes and heart-related problems in mothers. Now, new research suggests that a diet high in fructose may affect brain development, potentially causing biological changes that could impact learning and cognitive function later in the child’s life.

An extensive review of American Heart Association health records showed that reduced strength and mobility were linked to increased stroke risk. The study identified a clear relationship between worsening physical performance and the chances of experiencing a stroke.

Aging affects everyone differently. Some individuals maintain strong physical function and cognitive performance well into older adulthood, while others experience accelerated decline. Scientists have long searched for the answer as to why this happens. Now, a major brain-imaging study is overturning one of our most basic assumptions about body composition and its role in aging and cognitive health.