Keeping Sharp

Yes — and it’s stronger than many people realize. Growing research shows that hearing loss in midlife and beyond is one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for dementia.

According to the 2020 Lancet Commission on Dementia, untreated hearing loss may account for up to 8% of dementia cases worldwide — more than any other single modifiable factor identified in the report.¹ That’s a big deal.

But why does hearing affect brain function? First, struggling to hear forces the brain to work harder to decode sounds, which can reduce resources available for memory and thinking.² Second, hearing loss often leads to social isolation, which is another well-known risk factor for cognitive decline. And finally, hearing impairment may directly affect the structure and function of brain regions tied to language and memory.³

The good news? Addressing hearing loss — especially with hearing aids or other assistive technologies — may help preserve cognitive function. Some studies suggest that people who use hearing aids perform better on memory tests and may reduce their dementia risk compared to those who don’t.⁴

If you’re over 50 and noticing changes in your hearing, don’t wait. A simple hearing test could benefit more than just your ears — it could help protect your brain.

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Sources:

1. Livingston, G., et al. (2020). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. The Lancet.
2. Lin, F. R., et al. (2013). Hearing loss and cognitive decline in older adults. JAMA Internal Medicine.
3. Peelle, J. E., & Wingfield, A. (2016). The neural consequences of age-related hearing loss. Trends in Neurosciences.
4. Maharani, A., et al. (2018). Use of hearing aids and dementia incidence in a large older adult cohort. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Crossword fans and Sudoku lovers, rejoice — your favorite pastimes may be doing more than just passing time. These types of “mentally engaging leisure activities” have been shown to support cognitive health, especially as we age.

Studies have found that people who regularly challenge their brains with puzzles, strategy games, or learning new skills tend to have better memory, processing speed, and attention than those who don’t.¹ In one long-term study, older adults who engaged in mentally stimulating activities several times a week had a significantly lower risk of developing dementia.²

But here’s the key: while puzzles are great, the greatest benefit comes from variety and challenge. Solving the same type of puzzle every day may lead to diminishing returns. On the other hand, trying new games, reading, writing, or learning something unfamiliar keeps the brain working harder — which helps build what’s called cognitive reserve.³

In short, yes — crosswords and Sudoku are good for your brain. Just make sure you’re mixing it up and staying mentally curious. The brain, like a muscle, stays sharp with consistent and varied use.

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Sources:

1. Sattler, C., et al. (2012). Cognitive activity and incident cognitive impairment in elderly persons: A population-based study. Neuroepidemiology.
2. Verghese, J., et al. (2003). Leisure activities and the risk of dementia in the elderly. New England Journal of Medicine.
3. Stern, Y. (2012). Cognitive reserve in ageing and Alzheimer’s disease. Lancet Neurology.

It might sound surprising, but your gut and your brain are in constant communication. This connection — known as the gut-brain axis — is one of the most exciting areas in brain health research today.

Your gut is home to trillions of microbes that help digest food, regulate inflammation, and even produce neurotransmitters like serotonin, which affects mood and cognition.¹ These microbes can influence brain function through chemical signaling, immune responses, and even direct neural pathways.

Recent studies suggest that a healthy, diverse gut microbiome may be linked to better memory, mood regulation, and lower risk of cognitive decline.² On the flip side, poor gut health — often caused by processed foods, chronic stress, or antibiotic overuse — has been associated with inflammation that can negatively impact the brain.³

What helps? A fiber-rich, plant-forward diet that includes fermented foods (like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi) supports gut diversity. Foods high in prebiotics — such as garlic, onions, and bananas — feed the good bacteria.

While the science is still evolving, one thing is clear: your gut and brain are a team. Take care of one, and you support the other.

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Sources:

1. Mayer, E. A., et al. (2015). Gut microbes and the brain: paradigm shift in neuroscience. Journal of Neuroscience.
2. Mohajeri, M. H., et al. (2018). The role of the microbiome in neurodegenerative diseases. Nature Reviews Neurology.
3. Cryan, J. F., et al. (2019). The microbiota-gut-brain axis: from bowel to behavior. Nature Reviews Neuroscience.

The science is clear and growing stronger: dementia is not inevitable, and in many cases, risk can be significantly reduced through lifestyle changes. In fact, new research is shifting the conversation from treatment to prevention.

One of the most influential studies is the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, which identified 12 modifiable risk factors that, if addressed, could prevent or delay up to 40% of dementia cases worldwide.¹ These include physical inactivity, high blood pressure, hearing loss, smoking, poor diet, depression, diabetes, low social engagement, and even air pollution.

Meanwhile, large prevention trials — like the FINGER Study (Finland) and the U.S. POINTER Study — have shown that multi-domain lifestyle interventions combining exercise, diet, cognitive training, and medical risk management can maintain or even improve brain function in older adults.² ³

Other promising areas of research include sleep quality, gut-brain health, and inflammation control — all of which are being closely studied as contributors to cognitive aging.

The takeaway? Dementia risk isn’t just in your genes — it’s also in your daily choices. And the earlier you take action, the better.

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Sources:

1. Livingston, G., et al. (2020). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. The Lancet.
2. Ngandu, T., et al. (2015). FINGER: A 2-year multidomain intervention to prevent cognitive decline. Lancet Neurology.
3. Alzheimer’s Association. (2024). U.S. POINTER Study Results.
   https://www.alz.org/us-pointer/study-results.asp

Walk into any pharmacy, and you’ll see shelves full of supplements promising better memory, sharper focus, and a healthier brain. But do they actually work?

The short answer: Some nutrients matter, but most supplements don’t deliver what they claim.

For example, vitamin B12 is essential for brain health — and a deficiency can cause memory problems or confusion.¹ However, unless you’re deficient (which is more common in older adults or vegetarians), taking extra B12 won’t improve memory. The same goes for vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids — they support brain function, but there’s no strong evidence that taking them in pill form prevents dementia in healthy individuals.²

What about popular “memory boosters” like ginkgo biloba or ginseng? Most high-quality studies have found little to no benefit.³ The U.S. FDA does not regulate supplements as strictly as medications, so marketing claims aren’t always backed by science.

That said, if you have a documented deficiency, supplements can be useful — but it’s best to speak with your doctor and base decisions on blood tests, not advertisements.

Bottom line? A healthy diet rich in whole foods is the best way to nourish your brain. No single pill can replace that.

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Sources:

1. Smith, A. D., et al. (2010). Homocysteine-lowering by B vitamins slows brain atrophy in people with mild cognitive impairment. PLOS ONE.
2. Manson, J. E., et al. (2019). Vitamin D Supplements and Prevention of Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease. New England Journal of Medicine.
3. Gauthier, S., et al. (2015). Management of mild cognitive impairment: the role of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761. CNS Drugs.

You’ve probably seen the ads: “Boost your brain in just minutes a day!” But can brain training games really sharpen your mind — or is it just clever marketing?

The answer is… it depends.

Research shows that some brain games can improve specific mental skills, like attention or reaction time — but only in the tasks you practice.¹ In other words, if you play a memory game, you might get better at that game, but it doesn’t always carry over into everyday memory or problem-solving.

However, the story doesn’t end there. Studies suggest that broader, more engaging forms of cognitive training — such as learning a language, playing an instrument, or solving real-world problems — are more likely to boost overall brain function.²

That’s why experts recommend “real-life” brain stimulation over screen-based games alone. Activities that challenge you to think in new ways, interact socially, and stay physically active offer much stronger protection against cognitive decline.³

So, are brain games a scam? No — but they’re only part of the picture. For lasting brain health, think bigger: variety, novelty, and engagement matter more than quick puzzles.

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Sources:

1. Simons, D. J., et al. (2016). Do “Brain Training” Programs Work?. Psychological Science in the Public Interest.
2. Rebok, G. W., et al. (2014). Ten-year effects of the ACTIVE cognitive training trial on cognition and everyday functioning in older adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
3. Park, D. C., & Bischof, G. N. (2013). The aging mind: neuroplasticity in response to cognitive training. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience.

Here’s something worth getting excited about: science just gave us even more proof that you can take control of your brain health — and it’s not too late to start.

The U.S. POINTER Study, led by the Alzheimer’s Association, is one of the most important dementia prevention trials ever conducted in the United States. And its results are in: A multi-domain lifestyle approach — combining physical activity, brain training, healthy eating, social engagement, and medical guidance — doesn’t just sound good. It works.

In just two years, participants who received structured support and coaching showed significantly better cognitive function than those who didn’t — especially in areas like focus, planning, and mental flexibility (what scientists call executive function).¹

That’s not just promising — that’s game-changing. It confirms findings from earlier European studies (like the FINGER trial) and brings it home:

Targeted lifestyle changes can protect your brain — starting now.

The secret? It’s not just one thing. It’s the combination of brain-healthy habits that makes the difference. POINTER participants who followed a coordinated program with expert guidance made the biggest gains.²

So what does this mean for you?
It means there’s real, proven power in taking action — walking more, eating better, staying mentally active, and staying connected. These changes don’t just feel good — they help keep your brain sharp.

Ready to invest in your brain? The science says: do it.

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Sources:

1. Alzheimer’s Association. (2024). U.S. POINTER Study Results.
   https://www.alz.org/us-pointer/study-results.asp
2. Morris, M. C., et al. (2024). U.S. POINTER: Multidomain Lifestyle Intervention for Dementia Prevention. Presented at AAIC 2024.

Forgetfulness can be frustrating — but is it something we can fix? The short answer: while most age-related memory loss isn’t fully reversible, there are ways to slow it down, and in some cases, even improve it.

Some causes of memory issues — like stress, sleep deprivation, depression, vitamin B12 deficiency, or medication side effects — are treatable. In these cases, memory can bounce back with the right intervention.¹ That’s why it’s always worth talking to a doctor if forgetfulness becomes noticeable or persistent.

When it comes to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss is progressive and not reversible. However, studies show that early intervention and lifestyle changes can slow the decline. In particular, physical exercise, mental stimulation, a brain-healthy diet, and managing medical conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes can protect cognitive function.²

One groundbreaking study — the Finnish FINGER trial — found that combining diet, exercise, cognitive training, and social activity helped slow memory decline in older adults at risk of dementia.³ This means that even after age 50, your daily habits can make a real difference.

In short, while not all memory loss can be reversed, it can often be slowed. The earlier you act, the more benefit you’re likely to see.

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Sources:

1. National Institute on Aging. (2021). Forgetfulness: Knowing When to Ask for Help.
   https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/forgetfulness
   
2. Barnes, D. E., & Yaffe, K. (2011). The projected effect of risk factor reduction on Alzheimer’s disease prevalence. The Lancet Neurology.
   
3. Ngandu, T. et al. (2015). A 2-year multidomain intervention of diet, exercise, cognitive training, and vascular risk monitoring versus control to prevent cognitive decline in at-risk elderly people (FINGER). Lancet.

It’s natural to worry when memory slips become more frequent with age. But how do you know whether it’s normal aging — or something more concerning, like early dementia? Understanding the difference can help you take the right steps toward maintaining brain health.

Normal aging often involves minor memory lapses, such as occasionally forgetting names or appointments but remembering them later. You might need more time to learn new things or occasionally struggle to find the right word. These changes are typically manageable and don’t disrupt daily life.¹

In contrast, early dementia affects more than memory. It often includes changes in language, problem-solving, spatial awareness, or behavior. For example, someone might forget how to get to a familiar location, repeat the same question multiple times, or show poor judgment — like wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather.² According to the Alzheimer’s Association, one key difference is that dementia symptoms interfere with independence and daily functioning.³

Science shows that dementia-related brain changes are progressive, starting in regions like the hippocampus and spreading to areas that control reasoning and behavior. Imaging and biomarker studies have helped distinguish these pathological changes from normal aging.⁴

Early recognition is critical. While there’s no cure yet, early intervention — including lifestyle changes, medication, and cognitive training — can help manage symptoms and support brain function. A 2020 study in The Lancet reinforced the value of addressing risk factors and stimulating the brain, even in early stages.⁵

In summary, occasional forgetfulness is normal, but if memory loss affects daily life or is accompanied by confusion or behavioral changes, it’s time to consult a professional. And regardless of age, keeping the brain active remains one of the best defenses.

Sources:

1. National Institute on Aging. (2021). Forgetfulness: Knowing When to Ask for Help.
   https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/forgetfulness
2. Mayo Clinic. (2023). Dementia vs. normal aging: What’s the difference?
   https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/in-depth/dementia/art-20047575
3. Alzheimer’s Association. (2023). 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
   https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs
4. Jack, C. R., et al. (2018). NIA-AA Research Framework: Toward a biological definition of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 14(4), 535–562. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jalz.2018.02.018
5. Livingston, G., et al. (2020). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. The Lancet, 396(10248), 413–446. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30367-6