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

What the FDA's accelerated approval of a new Alzheimer's drug could mean for those with the disease – 5 questions answered about lecanemab

In clinical trials, lecanemab slowed disease progression by 27% and reduced the amount of plaque found in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s disease.

James E. Galvin, Professor of Neurology, University of Miami • conversation
Jan. 13, 2023 • ~9 min

Kick up your heels – ballroom dancing offers benefits to the aging brain and could help stave off dementia

Dancing requires physical, social and cognitive engagement and, as a result, it may bolster a wide network of brain regions.

Helena Blumen, Associate Professor of Medicine and Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine • conversation
Jan. 3, 2023 • ~5 min

Harnessing the brain's immune cells to stave off Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases

Microglia, immune cells disguised as brain cells, are known as the janitors of the brain. Dialing up their usual duties just enough could provide an avenue to treat neurodegenerative disease.

Kristine Zengeler, Ph.D. Candidate in Neuroscience, University of Virginia • conversation
Dec. 7, 2022 • ~9 min

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