Memory

A new global study reveals a striking contradiction, in that people in developed nations burn an excess of calories daily more than those living conventional lifestyles, yet they are significantly heavier. Even with regular exercise and increased calorie burning, obesity rates continue to climb. Weight loss isn't just about shedding fat, it also involves losing muscle and water, prompting the body to slow its metabolism in response. Moreover, the type of food you eat affects how your body stores fat and energy.

Aging frequently comes with a variety of comorbid conditions, among which dementia stands out as particularly daunting, given the difficulties in developing effective treatments. In light of these challenges, focusing on modifiable risk factors that could diminish the risk of this ailment presents a more practical strategy. Obesity has been pinpointed as one such factor.

Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health. Insufficient sleep often leads to heightened cognitive deficits. A recent study reveals that older adults with insomnia face a higher risk of memory decline and long-term cognitive impairments, which can lead to dementia. The study utilized a large dataset and primarily focused on sleep disorders.

As a person ages, the brain gradually shrinks, losing about 5% of its volume per decade after age 40, impacting its functionality. In a pioneering study, neuroscientists investigated how regular aerobic exercise affects the hippocampus, the brain region responsible for memory. 

A new study at the University of Exeter has discovered another good reason to live a healthy lifestyle!  The research found that in people with a high genetic risk for developing dementia the risk was 32 percent lower if they followed a healthy lifestyle.