Family caregivers can help shape the outcomes for their loved ones – an ICU nurse explains their vital role

Including the family in a patient’s treatment plan can help shorten hospital stays and assist in recovery. But caregivers often pay a price.

Courtney Graetzer, Critical Care Registered Nurse, Vanderbilt University • conversation
April 9, 2024 • ~9 min

New studies suggest millions with mild cognitive impairment go undiagnosed, often until it’s too late

Medicare covers an annual well-check visit that could potentially identify cognitive issues, but only about half of beneficiaries take advantage of them.

Ying Liu, Research Scientist, Center for Economic and Social Research, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences • conversation
March 21, 2024 • ~6 min

Family caregivers face financial burdens, isolation and limited resources − a social worker explains how to improve quality of life for this growing population

Family caregivers who have stronger support networks and positive communication with loved ones tend to be more resilient.

Kathy L. Lee, Assistant Professor of Gerontological Social Work, University of Texas at Arlington • conversation
Feb. 12, 2024 • ~9 min

Sleep can give athletes an edge over competitors − but few recognize how fundamental sleep is to performance

Studies show college athletes sleeping less than 7 hours per night are almost twice as likely to be injured when compared with athletes sleeping more than 8 hours.

Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, Associate Professor of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh • conversation
Jan. 31, 2024 • ~10 min

Aerobic and strength training exercise combined can be an elixir for better brain health in your 80s and 90s, new study finds

It’s long been known that exercise helps maintain strength and agility as we age. New research points to the importance of exercise type in supporting cognitive health in the latest decades of life.

Ronald Cohen, Professor of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida • conversation
Sept. 25, 2023 • ~5 min

Alzheimer's disease is partly genetic − studying the genes that delay decline in some may lead to treatments for all

Despite decades of starts and stops, new treatments and key genetic discoveries are giving researchers great hope for slowing or eventually preventing Alzheimer’s disese.

Steven DeKosky, Professor of Neurology and Neuroscience, University of Florida • conversation
Sept. 15, 2023 • ~10 min

Several Down syndrome features may be linked to a hyperactive antiviral immune response – new research

People with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome 21. Understanding the effects of those triplicated genes could help improve the health of those with Down syndrome and other medical conditions.

Joaquin Espinosa, Professor of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus • conversation
June 5, 2023 • ~8 min

A little-understood sleep disorder affects millions and has clear links to dementia – 4 questions answered

REM sleep behavior disorder is characterized by acting out dreams, which may include shouting, kicking and punching during sleep.

Anelyssa D'Abreu, Associate Professor of Neurology, University of Virginia • conversation
May 26, 2023 • ~7 min

Ultra-processed foods – like cookies, chips, frozen meals and fast food – may contribute to cognitive decline

Researchers are trying to understand whether ultra-processed foods erode brain health in the aging process.

Sara N. Burke, Associate Professor of Neurobiology and Cognitive Aging, University of Florida • conversation
Jan. 31, 2023 • ~10 min

Vaccination to prevent dementia? New research suggests one way viral infections can accelerate neurodegeneration

Inflammation and damage to the olfactory system from shingles, COVID-19 and herpes infections may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.

Maria Nagel, Professor of Neurology and Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus • conversation
Jan. 18, 2023 • ~9 min

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