Conventional wisdom suggests that cognitive skills begin to decline in early adulthood, but this assumption may be misleading. A recent study found that cognitive skills—specifically math and reading skills—actually improve into one's forties before experiencing a decline, and using these skills regularly is crucial in determining how abilities change over time. Researchers analyzed data from a previous German study that monitored more than 3,200 adult participants over time, allowing for the identification of genuine age-related changes in cognitive abilities. They also considered measureme... aging dementia
Read moreAlthough iron is essential for many physiological processes in the body, it can also be harmful, inducing oxidative stress and hindering neurogenesis. The body typically stores iron in protein complexes until needed, but these storage processes decline with age, leading to iron accumulation in body tissues. A recent study revealed that iron can build up in the brain, impairing cognitive function. Nevertheless, dietary components can help reduce iron accumulation in the brain and maintain cognitive health. Researchers examined the brain health of 72 cognitively healthy older adults by conductin... brain diet iron polyphenol
Read moreThe brain's reward centers react more strongly to the sight of tempting food than to less tempting options, driving food choices. Evidence suggests the gut microbiome influences these neural activity patterns, ultimately modulating body weight and metabolic health. A recent study found that inulin, a prebiotic derived from chicory root, alters the gut microbiome, reducing the intensity of the brain's reward system activation. Researchers gave 59 overweight young to middle-aged adults 30 grams of inulin or a placebo every day for two weeks. Then, the participants underwent functional MRI scan... brain obesity microbiome prebiotics
Read moreBreathing is an essential and regular process that provides the body with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide. But new research indicates that breathing influences brain function. People who breathed through their noses performed better on memory and emotional expression interpretation tests than when they breathed through their mouths. Researchers investigated the relationship between breathing, the brain, and thinking. First, they conducted intracranial electroencephalograms (EEGs) to assess the effects of nasal versus oral breathing in eight people. Then they administered various tests to 10... brain memory mental health breathing technique
Read moreThe dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is a functional region of the brain that mediates complex cognitive functions. It is unique to primates. Findings from a recent study suggest that specialized immune cells called microglia are present in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of humans only, setting them apart in terms of cognitive abilities but making them more vulnerable to language and neuropsychiatric disorders. Microglia are the brain’s resident immune cells. Their acute activation modulates inflammation and neurotoxicity, but chronic activation promotes brain inflammation and damage. Evid... brain immune system
Read moreExercise benefits many aspects of cognitive function. Evidence suggests that children who engage in physical activity typically perform better in school. Findings from a 2011 study showed that exercise improved cognitive function in overweight children. The intervention study involved 171 sedentary, overweight children between the ages of 7 and 11 years old. The authors of the study enrolled the children into one of three programs: a "low dose" 20-minute exercise program, a "high-dose" 40-minute exercise program, or a control (sedentary) program. The exercise programs were provided on school d... exercise brain intelligence aerobic
Read more[toc position='left'] Introduction [tweetbox text='"Modulation of autophagy may represent a promising therapeutic approach for extending human lifespan and healthspan."' tweet='"Modulation of autophagy may represent a promising therapeutic approach for extending human lifespan and healthspan." https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/autophagy'] Homeostasis, a cell's ability to maintain a constant internal environment, is essential to cell survival. It is predicated on achieving an equilibrium between the production and degradation of cellular components. One major pathway for degradation is auto... aging mitochondria autophagy nutrition exercise parkinson's cancer autoimmunity
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