Latest news with #IsaacHealth
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The Brain Health Red Flag That Shows Up in the Shower
The Brain Health Red Flag That Shows Up in the Shower originally appeared on Parade. We live in our own heads every day. Yet, recognizing signs that something is up with our brain health is challenging. In fact, someone's family and friends often express concerns about cognitive decline before they it's essential to be aware of red flags that indicate trouble with memory. Some can occur in personal settings, like the shower. No one else knows how often you shampoo or whether you apply body wash or cleanser first."Being aware of changes in brain health can help catch early warning signs of conditions like Alzheimer's disease and other memory disorders," explains Dr. Joel Salinas, MD, the co-founder and chief medical officer of Isaac Health. "The earlier we recognize these changes, the more we can do to support brain function, slow progression and plan for the future. Brain health is just as important as heart health or mental health—and just as worth protecting and prioritizing."One way to monitor your brain health is to recognize subtle signs of cognitive decline, such as this early flag that begins in the shower.🩺 💊 Skipping one or more of your normal shower routine steps, such as washing your face or hair, may be a symptom of cognitive decline."Forgetting parts of your usual shower routine, like using conditioner, can be a sign that your memory or focus isn't working as well as usual," reports Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist and the director of Comprehend the Mind. "These small changes might seem harmless but could point to early brain health issues. When your brain struggles to remember everyday tasks, it may mean something deeper is going on."For many, a shower routine is almost automatic, like brushing your teeth (unsurprisingly, recent research indicates that poor oral hygiene is also linked to cognitive issues). So, when you constantly forget your daily dose of shampoo, it's cause for concern. "Our brains thrive on routine," Dr. Salinas says. "When someone starts skipping steps in a habit they've done for years—like forgetting to use conditioner or not rinsing off—it could be a subtle sign of trouble with memory, focus or mental organization."Believe it or not, the brain has a lot to organize when you run through your shower steps."They require the interplay of multiple cognitive domains, like memory, planning, sequencing, judgment and physical coordination," explains Dr. Adel Aziz, MD, a neurologist with JFK University Medical Center. Dr. Aziz says that difficulty with routine tasks suggests a possible breakdown in these processes, potentially cognitive decline. Related: You may be wracking your brain trying to remember whether you applied lotion, as you usually do, in the shower. The struggle to remember may also throw you for a loop—is something wrong? Experts stress that even if you occasionally forget a shower step (or where you put your phone), it's not necessarily a red flag for brain health. "Occasional forgetfulness—such as misplacing keys or temporarily forgetting a name or getting distracted from a task—can happen to older individuals, especially if they get tired, are multitasking or are overwhelmed," Dr. Aziz Hafeez agrees—who doesn't forget things when they're tired or stressed? "If it starts happening often, it could be a red flag," she explains. "Repeatedly forgetting basic steps in your daily routine may point to changes in your brain. It's especially concerning if others notice or if it begins to affect your daily life." However, another expert also wants family members and friends to understand that some people may be making personal (lifestyle) choices. "It's a matter of degree," says Dr. John Showalter, MD, MSIS, a board-certified internal medicine and informatics specialist and the chief operating officer of Linus Health. "A new retiree who decided he no longer wants to shave every day is not concerning. If the same retiree doesn't shower for a week or stops getting haircuts because he no longer seems to care about his personal appearance, that can be an indicator of [mild cognitive impairment] and requires follow-up with a medical professional."Related: Forgetting steps in the shower repeatedly is only one symptom of cognitive decline. Dr. Aziz also suggests that people be aware of the following other red flags: Forgetting things often or struggling to retain new information ("This can manifest as repeatedly asking the same questions," Dr. Aziz says.) Inability to perform familiar tasks, like getting dressed or meal preparation Family and friends voice concerns Putting items in unusual or illogical places Making poor decisions, including neglecting personal safety Rapid mood swings Withdrawal Suspicion Aggression Brief confusion about the day or week before quickly realizing the accurate date Getting lost in unfamiliar places but can figure out how to get back Getting lost in familiar places, like the supermarket Confusion about time, place and identity Losing track of the date, season or passage of time Related: Experts recommend expressing concerns about cognitive decline to a primary care doctor first."The doctor can do a basic checkup and may run tests to rule out other causes like vitamin deficiencies or medication side effects," Dr. Hafeez says. "If needed, they may refer the person to a neurologist specializing in brain health. A neurologist can do more detailed tests to understand what's going on." She explains that early detection can also help improve a person's quality of life, sharing, "Seeing a doctor early is important because some causes of memory problems can be treated. It also helps create a care plan if a long-term condition is found." Dr. Aziz says a care plan for cognitive decline might include lifestyle tweaks like: Regular exercise Eating nourishing foods, like the ones included in the Mediterranean Diet and MIND Diet Developing new skills and pursuing hobbies that keep the mind engaged Engaging with families and friends Getting enough sleep Limiting or eliminating alcohol intake Family and friends can also help in these efforts and others."For caregivers, providing written instructions for care and breaking down complex tasks into simpler, manageable steps can facilitate daily activities," Dr. Aziz says. "Creating a comfortable, safe and reassuring environment for activities like bathing can reduce anxiety and resistance. Encouraging participation and offering limited choices can help individuals maintain a sense of control and dignity." Up Next:Dr. Joel Salinas, MD, the co-founder and chief medical officer of Isaac Health Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist and the director of Comprehend the Mind Dr. Adel Aziz, MD, a neurologist with JFK University Medical Center Improving oral hygiene for better cognitive health: Interrelationships of oral hygiene habits, oral health status, and cognitive function in older adults. JAN. Dr. John Showalter, MD, MSIS, a board-certified internal medicine and informatics specialist and the chief operating officer of Linus Health The Brain Health Red Flag That Shows Up in the Shower first appeared on Parade on Jul 9, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The Brain Health Red Flag That Shows Up in the Shower
The Brain Health Red Flag That Shows Up in the Shower originally appeared on Parade. We live in our own heads every day. Yet, recognizing signs that something is up with our brain health is challenging. In fact, someone's family and friends often express concerns about cognitive decline before they it's essential to be aware of red flags that indicate trouble with memory. Some can occur in personal settings, like the shower. No one else knows how often you shampoo or whether you apply body wash or cleanser first."Being aware of changes in brain health can help catch early warning signs of conditions like Alzheimer's disease and other memory disorders," explains Dr. Joel Salinas, MD, the co-founder and chief medical officer of Isaac Health. "The earlier we recognize these changes, the more we can do to support brain function, slow progression and plan for the future. Brain health is just as important as heart health or mental health—and just as worth protecting and prioritizing."One way to monitor your brain health is to recognize subtle signs of cognitive decline, such as this early flag that begins in the shower.🩺 💊 Skipping one or more of your normal shower routine steps, such as washing your face or hair, may be a symptom of cognitive decline."Forgetting parts of your usual shower routine, like using conditioner, can be a sign that your memory or focus isn't working as well as usual," reports Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist and the director of Comprehend the Mind. "These small changes might seem harmless but could point to early brain health issues. When your brain struggles to remember everyday tasks, it may mean something deeper is going on."For many, a shower routine is almost automatic, like brushing your teeth (unsurprisingly, recent research indicates that poor oral hygiene is also linked to cognitive issues). So, when you constantly forget your daily dose of shampoo, it's cause for concern. "Our brains thrive on routine," Dr. Salinas says. "When someone starts skipping steps in a habit they've done for years—like forgetting to use conditioner or not rinsing off—it could be a subtle sign of trouble with memory, focus or mental organization."Believe it or not, the brain has a lot to organize when you run through your shower steps."They require the interplay of multiple cognitive domains, like memory, planning, sequencing, judgment and physical coordination," explains Dr. Adel Aziz, MD, a neurologist with JFK University Medical Center. Dr. Aziz says that difficulty with routine tasks suggests a possible breakdown in these processes, potentially cognitive decline. Related: You may be wracking your brain trying to remember whether you applied lotion, as you usually do, in the shower. The struggle to remember may also throw you for a loop—is something wrong? Experts stress that even if you occasionally forget a shower step (or where you put your phone), it's not necessarily a red flag for brain health. "Occasional forgetfulness—such as misplacing keys or temporarily forgetting a name or getting distracted from a task—can happen to older individuals, especially if they get tired, are multitasking or are overwhelmed," Dr. Aziz Hafeez agrees—who doesn't forget things when they're tired or stressed? "If it starts happening often, it could be a red flag," she explains. "Repeatedly forgetting basic steps in your daily routine may point to changes in your brain. It's especially concerning if others notice or if it begins to affect your daily life." However, another expert also wants family members and friends to understand that some people may be making personal (lifestyle) choices. "It's a matter of degree," says Dr. John Showalter, MD, MSIS, a board-certified internal medicine and informatics specialist and the chief operating officer of Linus Health. "A new retiree who decided he no longer wants to shave every day is not concerning. If the same retiree doesn't shower for a week or stops getting haircuts because he no longer seems to care about his personal appearance, that can be an indicator of [mild cognitive impairment] and requires follow-up with a medical professional."Related: Forgetting steps in the shower repeatedly is only one symptom of cognitive decline. Dr. Aziz also suggests that people be aware of the following other red flags: Forgetting things often or struggling to retain new information ("This can manifest as repeatedly asking the same questions," Dr. Aziz says.) Inability to perform familiar tasks, like getting dressed or meal preparation Family and friends voice concerns Putting items in unusual or illogical places Making poor decisions, including neglecting personal safety Rapid mood swings Withdrawal Suspicion Aggression Brief confusion about the day or week before quickly realizing the accurate date Getting lost in unfamiliar places but can figure out how to get back Getting lost in familiar places, like the supermarket Confusion about time, place and identity Losing track of the date, season or passage of time Related: Experts recommend expressing concerns about cognitive decline to a primary care doctor first."The doctor can do a basic checkup and may run tests to rule out other causes like vitamin deficiencies or medication side effects," Dr. Hafeez says. "If needed, they may refer the person to a neurologist specializing in brain health. A neurologist can do more detailed tests to understand what's going on." She explains that early detection can also help improve a person's quality of life, sharing, "Seeing a doctor early is important because some causes of memory problems can be treated. It also helps create a care plan if a long-term condition is found." Dr. Aziz says a care plan for cognitive decline might include lifestyle tweaks like: Regular exercise Eating nourishing foods, like the ones included in the Mediterranean Diet and MIND Diet Developing new skills and pursuing hobbies that keep the mind engaged Engaging with families and friends Getting enough sleep Limiting or eliminating alcohol intake Family and friends can also help in these efforts and others."For caregivers, providing written instructions for care and breaking down complex tasks into simpler, manageable steps can facilitate daily activities," Dr. Aziz says. "Creating a comfortable, safe and reassuring environment for activities like bathing can reduce anxiety and resistance. Encouraging participation and offering limited choices can help individuals maintain a sense of control and dignity." Up Next:Dr. Joel Salinas, MD, the co-founder and chief medical officer of Isaac Health Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist and the director of Comprehend the Mind Dr. Adel Aziz, MD, a neurologist with JFK University Medical Center Improving oral hygiene for better cognitive health: Interrelationships of oral hygiene habits, oral health status, and cognitive function in older adults. JAN. Dr. John Showalter, MD, MSIS, a board-certified internal medicine and informatics specialist and the chief operating officer of Linus Health The Brain Health Red Flag That Shows Up in the Shower first appeared on Parade on Jul 9, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Fox News
03-06-2025
- Health
- Fox News
A Call To Confront The Rise Of Antisemitism
Over the weekend, 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman was arrested and accused of using a makeshift flamethrower to target Jewish individuals in Boulder, Colorado. This incident follows the recent fatal shooting at a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C. Trey Gowdy, a former federal prosecutor, former South Carolina Congressman, and host of Sunday Night in America, joins to discuss the incident and the alarming rise of antisemitic incidents in the United States. An estimated 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older now live with Alzheimer's. According to the Alzheimer's Association, one in three older adults dies with some form of dementia. Research surrounding the disease is rapidly evolving, with over 100 potential new treatments in the pipeline. Dr. Joel Salinas, Chief Medical Officer for Isaac Health and clinical associate professor at NYU Langone Health, joins the Rundown to discuss the progress being made in fighting Alzheimer's, including a new blood test that can help detect it early. Plus, commentary from the host of 'Tomi Lahren is Fearless on Outkick,' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The 3 Worst Drinks for Your Brain Health, According to Neurologists
We often think of our diet as a way to boost our physical health. By that, we mean keeping weight in check, our hearts healthy and our blood sugar levels within an optimal range. However, diet can also affect cognitive (or brain) health. "Our brain is an energy-intensive organ that relies on a steady supply of nutrients to function properly," explains , a cognitive-behavioral neurologist, chief medical officer of Isaac Health and a practitioner at NYU Langone Health. "What we eat and drink can influence brain function in both the short and long term." Dr. Salinas says some beverages boast essential nutrients that support our brain health, while others might contribute to "inflammation, oxidative stress or changes in brain structure over time." "By understanding these effects, we can make smarter choices to protect memory, focus, and overall brain function as we age," Dr. Salinas says. Dr. Salinas and other neurologists revealed the three worst drinks for brain health and suggested what to sip (and do) instead. Related: Sorry to burst your bubble: While diet soda is sometimes billed as a "healthier" soda than regular sugary versions, research and neurologists caution it may not be the best choice for your brain. "Numerous studies have indicated that aspartame may have a negative impact on brain health," warns , a neurologist and the vice chancellor at New York Medical College. Dr. Etienne points to a 2017 cohort study published in Stroke that found that artificially sweetened soft drinks were linked with a higher risk of stroke and dementia. There was no significant increase in either one with sugar-sweetened beverages (which isn't to say those are boons for brain health either—see No. 2). Dr. Salinas also mentioned the 2017 cohort study in Stroke. "While this doesn't prove causation, it raises concerns that artificial sweeteners may impact brain function," Dr. Salinas says. "One possible explanation is that they could alter gut bacteria, which in turn, affects brain health, or that they might influence insulin responses, potentially impacting cognitive function." Dr. Etienne said aspartame might also raise the levels of specific chemicals in the brain that can restrict the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. "These neurotransmitters play crucial roles in regulating neurophysiological activity," Dr. Etienne says. "Additionally, aspartame serves as a chemical stressor by raising plasma cortisol levels and promoting the production of excess free radicals." Dr. Salinas notes we still need more research to clarify whether and why aspartame might have long-term risks for brain health. Related: Getting your fruit fix in liquid form may carry brain health risks if it's loaded with added sugars. A 2023 study found that older adults who consumed the highest amounts of sugar were two times more likely to develop dementia than their peers with the lowest intake. Dr. Salinas points out that the study also specifically highlighted a link between fructose and sucrose, which are common in fruit juices, and a higher dementia risk. "These findings suggest that excess sugar intake may contribute to brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases, possibly due to inflammation, insulin resistance and oxidative stress," Dr. Salinas says. Dr. Etienne double-taps on the not-so-sweet issues with blood sugar. "When sugar levels fluctuate rapidly, individuals may experience increased fatigue, difficulty concentrating and brain fog," Dr. Etienne says. "These symptoms can lead to irritability and mood swings." Dr. Etienne says many of his patients returned to him and said their brain fog improved after reducing their sugar intake. Got a sweet tooth? "Since the body does require some sugar, I recommend consuming whole fruits instead, as they provide natural sugars along with fiber, which promotes better gut health," Dr. Etienne says. Related: Moderate drinking, especially red wine, has historically been linked to better health outcomes. While some experts we spoke with did mention that a few studies suggest there's a chance moderate wine consumption might improve brain health, they don't recommend testing the theory. For starters? "Let's be honest: Most people don't stop at just a glass a few times a week," says Jasdeep S. Hundal, Psy.D., ABPP-CN, the director of the Center for Memory & Healthy Aging at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center. "If you're drinking for the 'health benefits,' there are better ways to protect your brain." There's also growing research warning of alcohol's impact on overall health, including cognitive. A 2022 Natural Communications study of more than 36,000 people found that even one to two drinks daily can lower brain volume, especially in regions that affect cognition. "These structural changes suggest that alcohol, even in small amounts, may not be as harmless as once thought," Dr. Salinas says. Additionally, alcohol has immediate effects on your brain's capabilities. "Wine consumption can cause immediate effects by disrupting neurotransmitter regulation and cause impaired thinking, sleep difficulties, migraines and coordination issues," warns Dr. Jasmin Dao, MD, Ph.D., a California-based pediatric and adult neurologist at Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach and MemorialCare Long Beach. "It can cause mood changes with increased feelings of depression, anxiety and anger." Related: Plain water bores you, and the above bums you out. We get it. The good news? "There are many alternatives to sugary drinks," Dr. Dao says. Dr. Dao recommends sipping these drinks for brain health: Sparkling/bubbly water Vegetable Juices Water infused with natural flavorings, like fruit, vegetables and herbs Coconut water Green tea Kombucha tea What you eat is also essential. "Eat a brain-healthy diet, like the Mediterranean or MIND diet," Dr. Salinas says. "These diets emphasize whole foods, healthy fats and antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and support brain function." A 2023 Neurology study suggests he's right. Up Next:Dr. Joel Salinas, MD, MBA, MSc, FAAN, a cognitive-behavioral neurologist, chief medical officer of Isaac Health and a practitioner at NYU Langone Health Dr. Mill Etienne, MD, MPH., FAAN, FAES, a neurologist and the vice chancellor at New York Medical College. Jasdeep S. Hundal, Psy.D., ABPP-CN, the director of the Center for Memory & Healthy Aging at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Dr. Jasmin Dao, MD, Ph.D., a California-based pediatric and adult neurologist at Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach and MemorialCare Long Beach "Association of Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay and Mediterranean Diets With Alzheimer Disease Pathology." Neurology. "Sugar- and Artificially Sweetened Beverages and the Risks of Incident Stroke and Dementia: A Prospective Cohort Study." Stroke. "Dietary Sugar Intake Associated with a Higher Risk of Dementia in Community-Dwelling Older Adults." Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. "Moderate Wine Consumption and Health: A Narrative Review." Nutrients.
