Brain and Cognitive Health Archive

A 2025 study suggests that owning a dog or cat may help slow cognitive decline as people age.

A 2025 study of 250 people found that the brain can tell the immune system to prepare for impending infection even before a microbe enters the body. Scientists asked volunteers to don virtual reality headsets that showed various virtual people approaching them. Some of those approaching appeared to be healthy and others appeared to be sick. Brain scans and blood tests showed that participants’ brains activated their immune systems when a virtual sick person simply came near them.

People who suffer from chronic insomnia are more likely to develop cognitive problems and score lower on thinking and memory tests compared with individuals without chronic insomnia, a 2025 study suggests.

A 2025 study suggested that consuming larger amounts of artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and xylitol may be linked to faster declines in memory and thinking skills.

The vast majority of older adults would want to know if they’re in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and would want a blood test to learn for certain, according to a 2025 poll. Advances in testing and treatment may fuel this desire for knowledge. There are pros and cons to knowing this information. People with an early Alzheimer’s diagnosis can plan ahead, seek support, and may feel motivated to maintain their health. But the diagnosis may jeopardize their job or insurance coverage, as well as trigger anxiety or depression.

A 2025 study suggests that sleeping nine or more hours nightly is associated with worse cognitive performance, an effect that’s stronger among people with symptoms of depression.

A 2025 study suggests that women who score highly on a brain health measurement incorporating physical, lifestyle, social, and emotional factors face lower stroke odds.

Continuing to work in retirement can address many specific health needs of men as they age, such as stronger social connection, better cognitive health, and a greater sense of purpose. Regular work has been linked with higher rates of happiness and a lower risk for multiple health conditions. For men who don’t want to re-enter the workforce, options like volunteering and mentoring can offer many of the same health benefits.