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Nearly half of childhood cancer survivors experience symptoms of anxiety or depression as adults

Research reveals that nearly half of childhood cancer survivors experience symptoms of anxiety or depression as adults. The study found that cognitive functioning, psychological symptoms, and fatigue were significantly affected, with 28% reporting difficulties with cognitive functions.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalCurrent Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 28, 2026

Chronic stress linked to differences in cognitive decline across certain demographic groups, study finds

A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that chronic stress and social support levels are associated with changes in cognitive abilities across different demographic groups. Higher social support was linked to less decline in attention over time, while women and Hispanic participants with higher chronic stress ...

Behavioral problems in trauma-exposed youth linked to later smoking, drug and alcohol use and poor diet

Experiencing childhood trauma increases likelihood of smoking, substance use, and unhealthy eating habits due to behavioural problems in adolescence. Early interventions addressing these mental health difficulties may reduce long-term physical health consequences of childhood trauma.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2026

Brain aging may be detected decades before symptoms appear, with links to gut health

A new UCLA study has found a connection between brain aging and gut biology, suggesting that people's brains may be aging decades before symptoms appear. The study, published in eBioMedicine, analyzed brain scans and stool samples to identify a link between brain communication patterns, gut bacteria, and brain aging.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2026

USC develops algorithmic tool to improve screening of patients for Alzheimer's clinical trial

Researchers at USC developed an algorithmic tool to improve screening of patients for Alzheimer's clinical trials, reducing unnecessary PET scans by over half. The tool uses blood plasma biomarkers to identify patients at risk of Alzheimer's disease, enabling faster and more efficient recruitment for trials like AHEAD 3-45.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalAlzheimer’s & Dementia·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2026

Sharpening minds in the community: Attention emerges as a key responsive outcome in municipal dementia prevention

A community-adapted brain health program in Kikuyo Town, Japan, has achieved significant improvements in attention scores and dietary balance among older adults. The 24-week program, combining aerobic exercise, cognitive exercises, and lifestyle guidance, resulted in high attendance rates and positive feedback.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalArchives of Gerontology and Geriatrics·TypeObservational study·DateSep 3, 2026

Severe mental illness linked to higher dementia risk even at young age, and greater stroke risk earlier in life

A large study found a significant association between severe mental illness and dementia at every age, with adults aged 30-39 showing a 20-fold increased risk of dementia. The study also found a higher risk of stroke in early and middle adulthood, particularly in those with severe mental illness.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·JournalEuropean Neuropsychopharmacology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 17, 2026

Blood-thinning medication linked to slower cognitive decline

A study from Karolinska Institutet found that people treated with modern NOAC blood-thinning medicines experienced a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those receiving warfarin or no anticoagulant treatment. This was associated with lower risk of other health problems, including death, stroke, and fractures.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 12, 2026

Cardiovascular care for older adults should account for cognitive impairment and frailty

A new ACC Scientific Statement highlights the importance of considering cognitive impairment and frailty in cardiovascular care for older adults. The statement outlines practical strategies for prevention, screening, assessment, and management, aiming to improve outcomes such as independence, mobility, and caregiver burden.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 10, 2026

Study uses living human brain tissue to map how electric stimulation affects neurons, genetic activity

Researchers used real human brain tissue samples to test the underlying mechanisms of deep brain stimulation. They found that brain cells became more synchronized in communicating, similar to memory formation, while altering gene expression across different types of brain cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2026

Any degree of physical activity may slow cognitive decline particularly in Hispanics, UT Health San Antonio study suggests

A new study from UT Health San Antonio found that any degree of physical activity can slow cognitive decline in Hispanics. The research, which included 402 participants, also showed that controlling blood sugar levels and cardiovascular health are associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline.

SourceThe University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Behavior & Socioeconomics of Aging·DateAug 4, 2026

Dementia after age 90

The LifeAfter90 study found that women 90 and older are at two-fold greater risk for dementia, while Black participants have a 75% greater risk than Asian participants. APOE2's protective effects continue past age 90, reducing risk by 60%, but APOE4 increases the risk among men and Black participants.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·DateAug 4, 2026

Topline results from LiBBY trial show THC/CBD combination significantly reduces agitation for people with dementia at end of life

A Phase 2 clinical trial shows that a THC/CBD combination significantly reduces agitation in hospice-eligible people with dementia. The study, conducted across multiple US sites, achieved its primary and key secondary endpoints, demonstrating the efficacy of this treatment approach for end-of-life agitation.

Barriers to dementia care arise when medical records of people living with dementia are not linked with medical records of their caregivers

A Canadian pilot study examined ways to link dementia patients' medical records with those of their caregivers. The report highlights critical gaps in clinical application due to EMR incompatibility, varying provincial privacy rules, and consent requirements.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 27, 2026

Hospital readmissions in dementia patients in England are associated with sex, having multiple health conditions, post-discharge primary care appointments, medication reviews, and residential care status, per analysis of 30,527 patients

A study analyzing 30,527 English dementia patients found hospital readmissions associated with multiple factors including sex, health conditions and post-discharge care. The research highlights the importance of monitoring and managing these risk factors to prevent hospital readmissions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateJul 15, 2026

The digital therapy helping dementia carers

A digital therapy platform, iACT4CARERS, has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression in dementia carers after three and six months. The study, which involved almost 500 volunteers, found that carers using the platform had lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to those receiving usual care alone.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 11, 2026

Study explores how anxiety turns into deeper stress for dementia caregivers

A new Virginia Tech study finds that patterns of repetitive negative thinking can carry anxiety into deeper distress among dementia caregivers, but also suggests that mindfulness training may help identify and interrupt this progression. Researchers also found that introducing mindfulness early on can aid in managing stress before it d...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalThe Gerontologist·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 6, 2026

Before the memory fades: Scientists discover a potential early warning sign of Alzheimer’s

Researchers found that animal models with Alzheimer’s-related brain changes developed problems with cognitive flexibility months before showing signs of memory impairment. The study suggests that Alzheimer’s disease may affect neural circuits involved in executive function and adaptability before causing noticeable memory problems.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2026

Long Covid rehab program helps with return to work and focus

A new clinical trial led by University College London researchers found that ten weeks of cognitive rehabilitation can help people with long Covid symptoms such as brain fog achieve their goals in returning to work and hobbies. The treatment yielded benefits that lasted for at least six months for most participants.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 1, 2026

Personality may shape how caregiving affects health

A new study published in Health Psychology reveals that individual personality traits play a significant role in how caregiving stress affects physical health. Caregivers with high neuroticism and low agreeableness experienced greater inflammation and poorer physical functioning, while others remained relatively resilient. The research...

SourceRice University·JournalHealth Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 23, 2026

Study suggests shingles vaccine may lower dementia risk

A study led by Brown University researchers found that older adults who received the shingles vaccine had a 24% lower risk of being diagnosed with dementia within four years. The study analyzed health records and Medicare data from over 500,000 adults age 66 and older who were admitted to skilled nursing facilities.

SourceBrown University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2026

Can obesity make the brain age faster?

A new study investigates whether obesity contributes to faster brain aging and earlier memory decline. Researchers found that high K63 polyubiquitination levels in young obese rats matched those seen in older brains, suggesting a connection between obesity-induced and age-related memory loss.