Newsletter Archive

Exercise can protect memory and learning systems from the negative cognitive impact of stress on the brain. Researchers examined the impact of stress and exercise on synaptic plasticity, which neuroscientists call long-term potentiation (LTP).  The hippocampus is the structure in the brain that processes and stores memory.  LTP in the

Exposure to chronic stress creates a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD).  AD causes a progressive decline in cognition, language capacity, and physical ability, and eventually results in death.  A growing body of research indicates that chronic stress, which is long-term and involves long-lasting activation of the HPA axis,

The hippocampus is a structure deep in the emotional brain that processes memory.  It is critical for learning and recalling information stored in long-term memory.  A new study demonstrated that the hippocampus is important to short-term memory and decision-making as well. Researchers used internal electrodes in the brains of 6

The brain’s superpowers, plasticity and the capacity to grow new brain cells, allow the brain to improve with lifestyle changes throughout the entire lifespan.  The most common risk to the brain is the neurodegenerative Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Research has demonstrated that Cathespin B (CTSB) increases in young adults who exercise,

Sleep patterns are controlled by a regulation process called the circadian rhythm.  Our arousal process, made up of specific brain cells, hormones, and chemicals keep us awake for about 16 hours before giving way to our sleep process, facilitated by different neurons, hormones, and chemicals.  Our chronotype describes our sleep

Our brains shrink with age and brain atrophy is correlated with risk of cognitive decline and dementia.  In 2017, scientists discovered that indigenous Tsimane inhabitants of the Amazon in Bolivia have very low rates of cardiovascular disease in their old age.  Researchers decided to examine their brain health in a

A recent clinical trial demonstrated that an 8-week diet and lifestyle program can reverse biological aging in otherwise healthy adult males, ages 50-72.  The intervention included prescriptions for exercise, sleep, stress management, diet, and supplements.  The interaction of our genetic makeup, our DNA, with our environment can change our health. 

Researchers examined data from two studies of American adults to explore the relationship between exercise and a sense of purpose in life: 14,159 participants from the Health & Retirement Study, average age 68 years; and 4,041 participants from National Survey of Midlife Development in the US, average age 56 years. 

The gut microbiome influences inflammation in our digestive and immune systems.  Inflammation plays a role in heart disease, inflammatory bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease.  Excess inflammation kills brain cells, weakens brain circuits, prevents the birth of new brain cells, and causes cognitive decline, anxiety, and depression. Researchers investigated

If you are a long-term dog owner or if you got a pandemic puppy, you might want to add your dog to the list of things you are grateful for.  Research shows that interacting with dogs can downregulate the fight-or-flight stress response. Interacting with therapy dogs reduces stress hormones, lowers

Researchers are discovering that prebiotic and probiotic foods and supplements can improve some aspects of physical and mental health.  The focus is on the relationship between bacteria in the gut, brain function, and behavior.  There are neural, endocrine, and immune pathways that connect the gut and the brain, and these