Mind & Mood Archive

Articles

Helpful gadgets for a fuzzy memory

Many gadgets help support memory. Some—such as calendars, voice recorders, and talking motion-activated sensors—provide basic reminders that can be used to help someone remember appointments, lists, and more. Other tools, such as key hooks and mini shelves, support memory by establishing a reliable storage spot for everyday objects such as keys and eyeglasses. Automatic pill dispensers and pill alarms can help people manage a medication regimen. Wireless trackers can help people find objects when they’re misplaced. Smartphones have many memory-support tools, such as calendars, notepads, voice recorders, and alarms.

Harvard finds flavonoids linked to sharper thinking and memory

People with the highest daily flavonoid intakes were 19% less likely to report trouble with memory and thinking, compared with people who had the lowest daily flavonoid intakes, according to a Harvard study published online July 28, 2021, by Neurology.

Anti-inflammatory food superstars for every season

Inflammation is part of the body's healing process, but chronic inflammation can contribute to a range of health issues. In every season, regularly eating a variety of anti-inflammatory foods can benefit your health.

What is neurodiversity?

The term neurodiversity conveys the idea that there is no single right way of thinking, learning, or behaving, and is often used in the context of autism spectrum disorder. A growing self-advocacy movement aims to increase acceptance and inclusion of all people while embracing neurological differences.

Do weighted blankets help with insomnia?

Insomnia affects approximately 10% of adults in the United States, and it is common with mental illness. Insomnia is unlikely to get better on its own if not actively treated. Many people are interested in treatment options that do not involve prescription medications, and a study from Sweden investigated the effectiveness of a weighted blanket on insomnia symptoms for people with insomnia and mental health problems.

Navigating holiday pressures in the COVID-19 reality

The pandemic makes coping with holiday pressures a little tricky. If one is concerned about COVID-19 exposure at a holiday event, it may help to chat with loved ones to get support for a decision about whether to attend. If one must celebrate the holidays alone, it may help to grieve what is lost, savor past holiday gatherings, watch online religious services, and continue to practice special traditions—such as making holiday foods or putting up holiday decorations.

Navigating tricky relationships during the holidays

Almost everyone has a challenging relationship with someone in their life, and it may be someone you see only once a year. As we anticipate upcoming holiday gatherings, there are ways to prepare to navigate tricky situations and conversations thoughtfully and calmly.

A conversation about reducing the harms of social media

Social media can connect people across the globe, with a potential audience of millions of users. But no matter how many likes a post gets, it can feel like it's not enough, opening users — particularly young people — to potential mental health issues, and raising the question of whether the government should impose regulations on social media companies.

Can friends who listen help protect your memory and thinking skills?

A study published online Aug. 16, 2021, by JAMA Network Open suggests that older adults with good listeners in their lives have better thinking skills—despite decreases in brain volume—compared with people who don’t have good listeners in their lives.

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