Latest news with #JoelSalinas
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
7 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.
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Want to boost brain health? Scientists recommed finding a person with THIS quality
Having someone who listens attentively may significantly boost cognitive resilience, according to a recent study. Researchers found that adults with readily available listeners demonstrated better cognitive function, even with age-related brain volume loss. This social support could potentially slow cognitive aging and delay Alzheimer's symptoms. Keeping the brain sharp is crucial for overall well-being. From cognition, memory, and emotional regulation, a healthy brain plays a key role in how we function daily. While we often turn to puzzles, exercise, and diet to maintain brain health, scientists now say something much simpler, yet often overlooked, could be just as powerful: having someone who listens! A study published in JAMA Network found a link between having someone you can count on to listen to you when you need to talk, with improved cognitive resilience. A person who is all ears According to the study, adults who have access to a good listener, a person who is available most or all of the time to provide emotional support, show significantly better cognitive resilience. This interaction will help the brain from declining, even with aging or diseases like Alzheimer's. 'We think of cognitive resilience as a buffer to the effects of brain aging and disease. This study adds to growing evidence that people can take steps, either for themselves or the people they care about most, to increase the odds they'll slow down cognitive aging or prevent the development of symptoms of Alzheimer's disease—something that is all the more important given that we still don't have a cure for the disease,' lead researcher Joel Salinas said. About 5 million people in America are living with Alzheimer's disease, a progressive condition that affects mostly those over 65. This condition interferes with memory, language, decision-making, and the ability to live independently. Salinas added that the results of this study indicate that people younger than 65 would benefit from social support. For every unit of brain volume loss, people in their 40s and 50s who had fewer listeners showed cognitive abilities similar to someone four years older than those who had more listeners. 'These four years can be incredibly precious. Too often, we think about how to protect our brain health when we're much older, after we've already lost a lot of time decades before to build and sustain brain-healthy habits. But today, right now, you can ask yourself if you truly have someone available to listen to you in a supportive way, and ask your loved ones the same. Taking that simple action sets the process in motion for you to ultimately have better odds of long-term brain health and the best quality of life you can have,' Salinas said. The study Researchers analyzed data from 2,171 participants in the Framingham Heart Study, one of the longest-running community-based studies in the U.S., with an average participant age of 63. The participants self-reported about the various types of social support they have, including access to someone who listens, offers good advice, and provides emotional support. The cognitive resilience of the participants was measured as the relative effect of total cerebral brain volume on global cognition, using MRI scans and neuropsychological assessments. Lower brain volumes tend to be associated with lower cognitive function. The researchers examined the modifying effect of individual forms of social support on the relationship between cerebral volume and cognitive performance. They found that the cognitive function of individuals with greater availability of one specific form of social support was higher relative to their total cerebral volume. This particular form of 'social support' was the availability of a listener, and it was linked with increased cognitive resilience. What you should do 'Loneliness is one of the many symptoms of depression, and has other health implications for patients. These kinds of questions about a person's social relationships and feelings of loneliness can tell you a lot about a patient's broader social circumstances, their future health, and how they're really doing outside of the clinic,' Salinas said. Researchers noted that further study is required for further understanding of the biological mechanisms that link psychosocial factors to brain health. 'While there is still a lot that we don't understand about the specific biological pathways between psychosocial factors like listener availability and brain health, this study gives clues about concrete, biological reasons why we should all seek good listeners and become better listeners ourselves,' Salinas concluded. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'I'm a neurologist — here's why dementia is rising and how to reduce your risk'
Dementia cases continue to rise in the U.S., with people over age 55 facing a 42% risk of developing the condition in their lifetime. A recent study led by Johns Hopkins predicted half a million dementia cases in 2025 and one million per year by 2060. That doesn't mean people are powerless in reducing their risk, however, according to Dr. Joel Salinas, a behavioral neurologist and associate professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Blood Pressure And Dementia Risk Share Surprising Link, Study Suggests Salinas joined Fox News Digital in an on-camera interview to discuss what's driving the spike in dementia cases and what behavioral changes could provide some degree of cognitive protection. (See the video at the top of the article.) One of the biggest factors in the increase is demographics, noted Salinas, who is also the co-founder and chief medical officer of Isaac Health, a virtual memory clinic for brain health and memory issues. Read On The Fox News App "The baby boomer population, being one of the largest groups, is also the fastest-aging group," he told Fox News Digital. "As we get more and more baby boomers — not just over 65, but into their 70s and 80s — we're going to see more and more of them developing some degree of cognitive impairment due to a plethora of reasons." Age is indeed the biggest risk factor, he noted. "After age 65, our risk starts to increase. By the time we get to our 80s, that risk is about one in three," he said. "And then after 85, it starts to go up even higher, to almost one in two." The pandemic could have played a role as well, the neurologist said. "This is still being understood, but it seems like Covid-19 also affected blood vessels in the body and the brain," he said. "So people who already had a vulnerability for developing dementia could have had an acceleration or an earlier presentation." Stroke, Dementia And Depression Share These 17 Preventable Risk Factors Research has also shown that loneliness and social isolation can increase one's risk of cognitive decline. "We know that individuals who don't have a lot of social engagement are at a higher risk," Salinas said. "There's still a lot being done to figure out, you know, the chicken or the egg — is it that you're developing the disease and you're presenting with symptoms of loneliness earlier than others, or is it the loneliness and social isolation that increases your risk? I think it's probably both." There is a genetic component of dementia, the neurologist said, but the good news is that it's rare. Smartphone Use Could Reduce Dementia Risk In Older Adults, Study Finds "If you think about risks and protective factors like a seesaw, these rare genetic mutations may outweigh anything protective you do, but the nice thing is that because they're rare, the chances are you don't have those risks," he said. "So you probably have genetic risk that can be outweighed to some degree by protective factors." A major study published last year in The Lancet found that almost half of dementia cases are potentially preventable with lifestyle modifications. There are many different factors to address, Salinas said, with proper nutrition and exercise topping the list. Addressing hearing loss by using a hearing aid can also help keep dementia at bay, according to the neurologist, as can staying socially engaged. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can also boost prevention, as does getting enough quality sleep. Health Boost And Dementia Prevention In Just 5 Minutes A Day Entering a specific stage of sleep called "slow wave" or "stage three" helps to clear out the buildup of toxic proteins in the brain, Salinas said. "If someone is having issues with sleep, we send them to see a sleep specialist to do the proper testing," he said. "Obstructive sleep apnea, which is a common sleep disorder, affects blood pressure, heart disease and brain health. And it's something that's treatable." With any healthy behavior, consistency is key. "It's about putting the odds in your favor that you'll be less likely to develop one of these conditions, or at least delay the onset of symptoms," Salinas said. "It's never too late to take them on, but whenever you start them, the more consistent you are with them, the bigger return you'll have." Salinas cited studies showing that 92% of people with mild cognitive impairment go undiagnosed. "That's when we really want to intervene — but most of the time, people are being diagnosed when the condition is moderate to severe." While it can be tricky to distinguish between the regular effects of aging and early signs of dementia, Salinas called out some key differentiators. "We have more difficulty with memory and thinking as we get older, but it should never be to the point where it interferes with our day-to-day functioning," he said. It's normal to experience "blips" once in a while, he said, like forgetting your keys, blanking on the name of a celebrity, or walking into a room and not remembering why you entered. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter "But if you're seeing that happen much more frequently over time and it's getting worse, that might suggest there is something neurodegenerative and not just normal or typical aging," Salinas advised. To help ensure earlier diagnosis and intervention, Salinas recommends speaking with a healthcare provider as soon as atypical symptoms are noticed. "It's important to take them seriously — but not all doctors or medical providers are the same," he cautioned. "A common story we hear is that people's symptoms get dismissed." In this case, Salinas suggests getting a second opinion, preferably from a neurology specialist. For more Health articles, visit "There is more and more that can be done to manage symptoms at the earliest stages," he said. "And at a minimum, if you do end up having a condition that doesn't have a cure, you'll be empowered with information about your health that will help you make better decisions and plan for the future."Original article source: 'I'm a neurologist — here's why dementia is rising and how to reduce your risk'
Fox News
23-04-2025
- Health
- Fox News
'I'm a neurologist — here's why dementia is rising and how to reduce your risk'
Dementia cases continue to rise in the U.S., with people over age 55 facing a 42% risk of developing the condition in their lifetime. A recent study led by Johns Hopkins predicted half a million dementia cases in 2025 and one million per year by 2060. That doesn't mean people are powerless in reducing their risk, however, according to Dr. Joel Salinas, a behavioral neurologist and associate professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Salinas joined Fox News Digital in an on-camera interview to discuss what's driving the spike in dementia cases and what behavioral changes could provide some degree of cognitive protection. (See the video at the top of the article.) One of the biggest factors in the increase is demographics, noted Salinas, who is also the co-founder and chief medical officer of Isaac Health, a virtual memory clinic for brain health and memory issues. "The baby boomer population, being one of the largest groups, is also the fastest-aging group," he told Fox News Digital. "As we get more and more baby boomers — not just over 65, but into their 70s and 80s — we're going to see more and more of them developing some degree of cognitive impairment due to a plethora of reasons." Age is indeed the biggest risk factor, he noted. "After age 65, our risk starts to increase. By the time we get to our 80s, that risk is about one in three," he said. "And then after 85, it starts to go up even higher, to almost one in two." "We know that individuals who don't have a lot of social engagement are at a higher risk." The pandemic could have played a role as well, the neurologist said. "This is still being understood, but it seems like COVID-19 also affected blood vessels in the body and the brain," he said. "So people who already had a vulnerability for developing dementia could have had an acceleration or an earlier presentation." Research has also shown that loneliness and social isolation can increase one's risk of cognitive decline. "We know that individuals who don't have a lot of social engagement are at a higher risk," Salinas said. "There's still a lot being done to figure out, you know, the chicken or the egg — is it that you're developing the disease and you're presenting with symptoms of loneliness earlier than others, or is it the loneliness and social isolation that increases your risk? I think it's probably both." There is a genetic component of dementia, the neurologist said, but the good news is that it's rare. "If you think about risks and protective factors like a seesaw, these rare genetic mutations may outweigh anything protective you do, but the nice thing is that because they're rare, the chances are you don't have those risks," he said. "So you probably have genetic risk that can be outweighed to some degree by protective factors." A major study published last year in The Lancet found that almost half of dementia cases are potentially preventable with lifestyle modifications. There are many different factors to address, Salinas said, with proper nutrition and exercise topping the list. Addressing hearing loss by using a hearing aid can also help keep dementia at bay, according to the neurologist, as can staying socially engaged. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can also boost prevention, as does getting enough quality sleep. Entering a specific stage of sleep called "slow wave" or "stage three" helps to clear out the buildup of toxic proteins in the brain, Salinas said. "If someone is having issues with sleep, we send them to see a sleep specialist to do the proper testing," he said. "Obstructive sleep apnea, which is a common sleep disorder, affects blood pressure, heart disease and brain health. And it's something that's treatable." With any healthy behavior, consistency is key. "It's about putting the odds in your favor that you'll be less likely to develop one of these conditions, or at least delay the onset of symptoms," Salinas said. "It's never too late to take them on, but whenever you start them, the more consistent you are with them, the bigger return you'll have." Salinas cited studies showing that 92% of people with mild cognitive impairment go undiagnosed. "That's when we really want to intervene — but most of the time, people are being diagnosed when the condition is moderate to severe." While it can be tricky to distinguish between the regular effects of aging and early signs of dementia, Salinas called out some key differentiators. "It's about putting the odds in your favor that you'll be less likely to develop one of these conditions, or at least delay the onset of symptoms." "We have more difficulty with memory and thinking as we get older, but it should never be to the point where it interferes with our day-to-day functioning," he said. It's normal to experience "blips" once in a while, he said, like forgetting your keys, blanking on the name of a celebrity, or walking into a room and not remembering why you entered. "But if you're seeing that happen much more frequently over time and it's getting worse, that might suggest there is something neurodegenerative and not just normal or typical aging," Salinas advised. To help ensure earlier diagnosis and intervention, Salinas recommends speaking with a healthcare provider as soon as atypical symptoms are noticed. "It's important to take them seriously — but not all doctors or medical providers are the same," he cautioned. "A common story we hear is that people's symptoms get dismissed." In this case, Salinas suggests getting a second opinion, preferably from a neurology specialist. "There is more and more that can be done to manage symptoms at the earliest stages," he said. "And at a minimum, if you do end up having a condition that doesn't have a cure, you'll be empowered with information about your health that will help you make better decisions and plan for the future."
