The post Scientists uncover how some 80-year-olds have the memory of 50-year-olds appeared first on My Blog.
]]>A study from Northwestern University looked at a group of 80-year-olds who appeared to have memory skills on par with 50-year-olds, and the researchers aimed to understand the differences in their brains.
These people were classified as “SuperAgers,” defined as those 80 and older who have memories of those 30 years their junior, according to a university press release. People in this category score at least nine out of 15 on a delayed word recall test.
7 STEPS TO ‘SUPER-AGING’ ARE KEY TO LIVING A LONGER, MORE FULFILLING LIFE, EXPERTS SAY
“SuperAgers” are defined as those 80 and older who have memories of those 30 years younger. (iStock)
The “SuperAger” term was coined by Dr. M. Marsel Mesulam, founder of the Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease at Northwestern, in the late 1990s.
In studying nearly 300 SuperAgers for the past 25 years, the Northwestern researchers identified some common traits, including being “highly social and outgoing” and having strong interpersonal relationships.
“It’s really what we’ve found in their brains that’s been so earth-shattering for us,” noted co-author Dr. Sandra Weintraub, professor of psychiatry, behavioral sciences and neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, in the release.
The researchers found that some of the participants’ brains showed no buildup of amyloid and tau proteins (plaques and tangles), the toxic substances that are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. (iStock)
The research team examined 77 of the SuperAgers’ donated brains after they died. They found that some of the brains showed no buildup of amyloid and tau proteins (plaques and tangles), the toxic substances that are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Other brains did have the proteins, but they didn’t appear to have affected cognitive health.
STUDY REVEALS WHY ‘SUPER AGERS’ MAINTAIN ‘OUTSTANDING MEMORY’ INTO THEIR 80S
“What we realized is there are two mechanisms that lead someone to become a SuperAger,” Weintraub said in the release. “One is resistance: they don’t make the plaques and tangles. Two is resilience: they make them, but they don’t do anything to their brains.”
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Unlike most aging brains, SuperAgers did not experience significant thinning of the cortex, which is the brain’s outer layer. They also had a thicker anterior cingulate cortex, the region of the brain involved in decision-making, emotion and motivation.
They were also found to have a greater number of “von Economo neurons,” specialized cells associated with social behavior, and larger entorhinal neurons, which are crucial for memory.
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The study outcome was published as a perspective article in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.
The SuperAgers shared common traits, including being “highly social and outgoing” and having strong interpersonal relationships. (iStock)
“Our findings show that exceptional memory in old age is not only possible but is linked to a distinct neurobiological profile,” said Weintraub. “This opens the door to new interventions aimed at preserving brain health well into the later decades of life.”
Armed with this information about the commonalities among SuperAgers, the researchers hope to develop new ways to boost cognitive resilience and prevent or delay Alzheimer’s and other dementias, they noted.
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Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, was not involved in the study but commented on the findings to Fox News Digital.
“The answer is a combination of genetic predisposition as well as continuing to keep exercising the brain like a muscle — both socially and intellectually,” a doctor said. (iStock)
“The buildup of senile plaques — beta amyloid and tau — did not impact neuronal function in those who continued to do very well in terms of thinking, memory and decision-making,” he noted.
“Those with positive outcomes shared continued socialization, interaction and a high level of intellectual engagement.
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“So, the answer is a combination of genetic predisposition as well as continuing to keep exercising the brain like a muscle — both socially and intellectually.”
The study was funded by Northwestern Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and the National Institute on Aging (part of the National Institutes of Health).
Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.
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]]>The post Kim Kardashian’s brain aneurysm scare: Doctors reveal warning signs to never ignore appeared first on My Blog.
]]>The Skims founder, 45, announced in a preview clip of Season 7 of Hulu’s “The Kardashians” that her doctors discovered the condition during an MRI scan, telling her family, “There was a little aneurysm.”
The cause has not been identified, but Kardashian’s doctors considered that it might be from stress.
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A brain aneurysm is the ballooning of a blood vessel in the brain, which can leak or rupture, leading to bleeding, according to Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Adam Arthur, chairman of neurosurgery at the University of Tennessee, described an aneurysm as a weakness on the wall of an artery, like a little water balloon that forms off a hose.
Kim Kardashian poses during a photocall for the premiere of “All’s Fair” TV series in Paris on Oct. 21, 2025. The reality TV star recently revealed that she had been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. (Bertrand GuayAFP via Getty Images; iStock)
This is known as a hemorrhagic stroke, which can be life-altering and even fatal. Most aneurysms are small and not serious if they don’t rupture.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Arthur — who is also chief medical officer of Medtronic Neurovascular, a California company that produces medical devices that help treat aneurysms — noted that brain aneurysms are much more common in women.
KIM KARDASHIAN DIAGNOSED WITH BRAIN ANEURYSM THAT DOCTORS ATTRIBUTE TO STRESS FOLLOWING KANYE WEST DIVORCE
This most likely has to do with genetics, although “there’s so much about the brain and about genetics that we don’t understand,” Arthur said.
Aneurysms are present in up to one in every 50 people, according to the expert, and many don’t require treatment or cause a problem.
Up to one in 50 people have a brain aneurysm, which is the ballooning of an artery in the brain. (iStock)
When they do become problematic, aneurysms can cause a sudden stroke, where a patient may experience the “worst headache of their life.” Arthur described this as a “very abnormal headache, often behind the eye.”
“That’s a very, very dangerous situation,” he said. “I believe that with Ms. Kardashian, it may be that they found it before it caused a stroke, and obviously that’s a blessing.”
While aneurysms form on the weak spots of arteries that are knit together before birth, some factors can make the event more common.
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This includes alcohol binge-drinking, nicotine exposure, certain genetic conditions, and the use of drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine.
Drugs and nicotine are known to be “very bad” for aneurysm growth and rupture, since they tamper with blood vessel health, Arthur detailed.
A severe headache may occur if a brain aneurysm becomes problematic. (iStock)
The expert added that chronic stress has also been linked to brain aneurysms, noting that an overall focus on sleep, diet and exercise can help reduce the risk.
Knowing the family history for aneurysms is important, Arthur added, as it’s recommended to get a screening exam, or MRI, if two close relatives have had them.
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Although some aneurysms can be suddenly fatal when they lead to a stroke, people experiencing symptoms — typically an intense headache — should see a doctor for treatment options, according to Arthur.
If an aneurysm is found before it bleeds, minimally invasive surgery could be performed to avoid a stroke. Open surgery may also be an option, where a surgeon can pinch the aneurysm shut through an incision along the hairline.
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Smaller aneurysms in older patients can typically be monitored by a physician to ensure that they’re not growing or causing a larger issue, the doctor said.
Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the U.S., which “disables way more people than it outright kills,” a doctor said. (iStock)
“We do have ways of fixing aneurysms now that are pretty remarkable,” Arthur told Fox News Digital. “What we can do is put a metal mesh over the opening of the aneurysm or fill the aneurysm with a device and then let nature take its course — and so that blood then forms a clot and scars.”
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Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the U.S., adding that it “disables way more people than it outright kills,” according to Arthur.
Fox News Digital’s Christina Dugan Ramirez contributed to this report. Fox News Digital reached out to Kardashian for comment.
Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.
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]]>The post 7 key behaviors that could shield your brain from Parkinson’s disease appeared first on My Blog.
]]>The incurable progressive disorder affects motor abilities and other nervous system functions, typically causing stiffness, tremors, balance problems and slowed movement, along with mood changes, cognitive decline and sleep disturbances.
Although Parkinson’s usually emerges after age 60, some early-onset cases do occur.
AIR POLLUTION MAY PLAY A BIGGER ROLE IN COGNITIVE DECLINE THAN ANYONE REALIZED
While aging has been shown to be the biggest driver — and family history also increases the risk — research has shown that some lifestyle behaviors can help ward off or slow the onset of the disease.
“Today, even though it’s not possible to prevent Parkinson’s disease, maintaining a healthy lifestyle — staying physically active, eating well and getting enough sleep — can help protect overall brain health and may reduce the risk of various neurological disorders,” Prof. Dr. Pulat Akın Sabancı, professor of Neurosurgery at Istanbul University, told Fox News Digital.
Parkinson’s disease can cause stiffness, tremors, balance problems and slowed movement, along with mood changes, cognitive decline and sleep disturbances. (iStock)
Below, experts shared some of the most impactful prevention methods.
Regular exercise is strongly linked to a decreased risk of Parkinson’s disease, according to Dr. Mary Ann Picone, the medical director at Holy Name Medical Center’s MS Center in New Jersey.
“Aerobic exercise can be neuroprotective and improve motor function,” she told Fox News Digital, as studies have shown that it lowers risk by 50%.
‘HARMLESS’ VIRUS FOUND LURKING IN PARKINSON’S PATIENTS’ BRAINS, NEW STUDY SHOWS
Picone recommends engaging in moderate- to high-intensity activities, such as walking or cycling, for a significant amount of time each week — at least 30 minutes daily.
“Aerobic exercise increases heart rate and helps brain neurons to maintain old connections and form new connections,” she noted.
A doctor recommends engaging in moderate- to high-intensity activities, such as walking or cycling, for a significant amount of time each week — at least 30 minutes daily. (iStock)
Weight training and resistance exercises are also beneficial, as well as activities that combine balance, agility and coordination, like Tai Chi or dancing, according to the expert.
“Research shows that getting the blood pumping helps the brain tissue build up protective mechanisms and do better on both cognitive and muscle control tests and often live longer,” she said.
Picone recommends eating a diet rich in antioxidants and plant-based protein sources — especially beans, nuts and tofu — as well as foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids. It is best to avoid processed foods, she advised.
A Mediterranean or MIND-style diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil and whole grains, has been linked to a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease.
A Mediterranean or MIND-style diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil and whole grains, has been linked to a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease. (iStock)
“Foods that contain antioxidants, such as purple, red and blue grapes; blueberries; red berries, like strawberries; green, leafy vegetables, like broccoli, kale and spinach; and sweet potatoes, acorn or butternut squash are recommended,” Picone said.
Coffee and tea drinkers have a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease, the doctor noted.
Exposure to certain environmental toxins, like pesticides and heavy metals, can damage neurons and increase the risk of Parkinson’s, according to Dr. George Michalopoulos, founder and chairman of The Neurologic Wellness Institute in Chicago.
“While it’s impossible to avoid all toxins, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure,” he told Fox News Digital. “Choose organic produce when possible, use protective gear if you’re working with chemicals, and drink filtered water to avoid contaminants.”
During deep sleep, the brain clears out waste products and repairs itself, Michalopoulos noted.
“Chronic sleep deprivation or conditions like sleep apnea can increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s,” he said. “Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, avoid screens before bed and create a calming bedtime routine.”
EVEN SMALL AMOUNTS OF ALCOHOL LINKED TO HIGHER DEMENTIA RISK IN OLDER ADULTS, STUDY SHOWS
Dr. Vibhash Sharma, a neurologist and medical director of UT Southwestern’s neuromodulation movement disorders clinic in Dallas, Texas, reiterated the importance of quality sleep for Parkinson’s prevention.
“As poor sleep quality and chronic sleep deprivation are associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative disease, quality and adequate sleep is important for supporting brain repair and clearing abnormal proteins linked to Parkinson’s disease,” he told Fox News Digital.
Stress is a part of life, but chronic levels can take a toll on your brain, Picone cautioned.
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“It’s been linked to inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are thought to play a role in Parkinson’s,” she said. “Finding ways to manage stress can help protect your brain and improve your overall health. Try mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing or even a daily walk in nature.”
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Keeping your brain active and staying connected with others can help build “cognitive reserve,” which may protect against neurodegeneration, according to Michalopoulos.
Try mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing or even a daily walk in nature, one expert suggested. (iStock)
“Activities that challenge your brain — like doing puzzles, reading or learning a new skill — are great for keeping sharp,” he told Fox News Digital.
Sabanci reiterated that lifelong learning, social connection and purposeful activity support brain resilience.
Smoking and heavy drinking have been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s, Michalopoulos warned.
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“Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake can go a long way toward protecting your brain,” he said.
The experts agreed, however, that none of these behavioral changes completely guarantees protection from Parkinson’s.
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“But taken together, they form a practical, low-risk approach to support brain longevity,” Sabancı said.
“Anyone with motor changes, loss of smell, REM sleep behavior disorder or persistent constipation should seek medical evaluation early.”
Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.
The post 7 key behaviors that could shield your brain from Parkinson’s disease appeared first on My Blog.
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