Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Until recently, diagnosing Alzheimer’s in someone who is showing signs of memory loss or thinking difficulties often meant undergoing a brain scan (a PET scan) or a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to look for signs of amyloid or tau changes in the brain. These procedures can be expensive, invasive, or not easy to access. Now,…

While there is currently no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, research suggests that older adults can take meaningful steps to lower their risk and support long-term brain health. Dementia is influenced by a mix of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, but healthy daily habits may help protect the brain and delay the onset of cognitive…

High blood pressure, or hypertension, has long been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, but researchers are finding that its effects extend to brain health as well. Chronic high blood pressure can damage the delicate blood vessels that supply the brain with oxygen and nutrients. Over time, this damage may lead to reduced…

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition characterized by noticeable changes in thinking abilities—such as memory, reasoning, or attention—that are greater than expected for a person’s age, but not severe enough to significantly interfere with daily life or independence. Individuals with MCI may forget appointments, misplace items more often, or struggle to find the right…

Where a person lives can have a significant impact on their risk of developing dementia. Research has shown that environmental factors, such as air quality, access to healthcare, availability of nutritious food, and opportunities for physical and social activity, all play a role in brain health. For example, people who live in areas with high…