Latest news with #neuropsychology
Times
14-07-2025
- Health
- Times
What the neuropsychologist did to slow her mother's dementia
Catherine Loveday, a professor of neuropsychology at the University of Westminster and author of The Secret World of the Brain, has dedicated her career to the study of memory. So when she suspected early signs of Alzheimer's in her 70-year-old mother, Scilla, she was well equipped to help. After tests in 2011 showed 'targeted memory loss' in keeping with the disease, Loveday says, 'it was so early in the progression I knew there were evidence-based steps we could take to slow it. I was in the most amazing position to have this knowledge and experience.' When Scilla was eventually diagnosed with mild Alzheimer's after a brain scan in 2017, she was 'upset but pragmatic', Loveday says. Now 85, Scilla's illness has progressed, but Loveday, 56, believes she still enjoys a better quality of life as a result of those early steps. 'In parallel, in my professional life, I have seen people whose dementia has progressed much quicker.' Their journey has proved 'hugely bonding', Loveday says, enabling a more open relationship with Scilla, who was herself an NHS psychiatrist. 'Her vulnerability was something I never saw. She's allowed me to feel I can be close to her and protect her.' Loveday, who lives in London with her sons, aged 23 and 18, and her husband, Jeff, 52, a composer, has now recorded a podcast, Mempathy, 'to show understanding the science can lead to a better quality of life and potentially even slow progression'. She has also developed Memory Matters, a four-week course for the charity Age UK with tips and activities to help anyone worried about their memory. Helping other families in their situation is her way of coping, she says. 'What I'm doing in my working life has come together with what I'm doing with my mum. My work has taught me that there are science-backed steps we can all take to improve our brain health — not only through more exercise, better diet and improved sleep, but by keeping the stress and anxiety that accompany memory loss under control, because these increase levels of inflammatory markers in the body that in turn may accelerate dementia.' • 12 things that can put you at risk of dementia While there can be a 'benign forgetfulness' in the elderly, by 2011 recently widowed Scilla was often repeating herself. She ran a choir at her local church but was 'getting muddled', Loveday says, and got lost on a regular walk, which 'made her scared'. Cambridge-educated Scilla had always been 'independent and resilient', Loveday, one of three sisters, says. Had she voiced concerns about Scilla's memory to her GP, Scilla may have been offered a mini-mental state examination, a ten-minute questionnaire used by doctors to assess cognitive impairment. But as a highly intelligent woman, she would have passed 'with flying colours', Loveday says. 'Mum would not have been picked up by the GP for another six or seven years.' Instead, she suggested her mum complete a more detailed hour-long 'battery' of tests used to test for dementia in NHS memory clinics, 'put together by a colleague with my input'. Loveday's intention was to assess 'a specific pattern of strengths and weaknesses'. When she explained this to her mum, she says Scilla 'was nervous but trusted me'. Scilla did well with some tasks. 'If I gave her a list of words, she could read them back,' Loveday says. Yet when she gave Scilla a list of words, read her a story and asked her to recall those words half an hour later, 'she was performing worse than 99.9 per cent of people'. Scilla's prefrontal cortex — the area of the brain responsible for problem-solving — was working well but her hippocampus, which deals with memory and is usually the first affected by Alzheimer's, was not. 'What I was seeing was the early signature of Alzheimer's disease,' Loveday says. Her fear at her findings was tinged with 'relief' that 'we could do something about it'. • Read more expert advice on healthy living, fitness and wellbeing She gently told her mother 'a specific memory score was down in her test, which might explain why she was having difficulty in day-to-day life'. She was careful not to mention the disease by name at first, but when Scilla took the same test 18 months later her scores suggested 'a progressive condition like Alzheimer's'. After a subsequent hospital assessment in 2013 Scilla was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment — a decline in cognitive function, for which there is no medical treatment, and from which, according to the NHS, 10-15 per cent of sufferers will develop dementia each year. Yet awareness of her condition empowered mother and daughter. 'It's felt like a shared project,' Loveday says. 'The measures we took have slowed decline but her Alzheimer's obviously continues to progress. Mum now has limited access to her past memories, but the work we did means we know exactly what makes her feel happy and we put that into practice every day. Last time I was with her, I asked, 'How do you feel?' and she said, 'Relaxed and at peace,' and I don't think we can ask for more. We were able to really make a difference.' Here's how. Scilla immediately started writing a journal of everything she could remember doing that day before bed. She would read what she'd written the previous evening before writing the next entry. By leaving 24-hour gaps between reading the information again she was practising 'spaced repetition', Loveday says, a learning technique that improves memory by reviewing information at intervals. For Scilla, who wrote her diary for eight years until her memory became too weak, it was 'transformational', Loveday says. Scilla's social life needed to be adapted. 'Book club was not working, because she couldn't remember what she was reading,' Loveday says, 'but going for a walk with people, playing online Scrabble or going for a cup of tea were good.' Scilla still sees friends at least once a week. Maintaining friendships is key to healthy cognitive function, Loveday says, because they can lower stress and so reduce inflammation in the brain that can be a precursor to Alzheimer's and is 'known to impact on progression'. • Want to stay sharp? How curiosity can boost the midlife brain Scilla and Loveday labelled the contents of cupboards so Scilla didn't forget where food was. Loveday bought her mum a dementia clock with the time and date in big letters and hung a white memory board with a pen in the kitchen. 'Each day she would make a note of things she had to remember to do. We made it a habit.' Loveday taught Scilla how to use Google Maps on her smartphone. Just knowing it was there 'made her more relaxed', she says. 'One of the worst things you can do when you're lost is panic.' She also started tracking her mum on iPhone's Find My app, 'so if she was stuck we could help'. Scilla's early memories were strong, which is 'typical' in early Alzheimer's, Loveday says. Sparking conversation about them with questions — or 'cues' — can help preserve identity. Recalling her 'scratchy' school uniform, for example, brought up stories about Scilla's schooling. Another good cue is music. 'I know from my research if you ask people to give their eight favourite songs, often one or two will prompt memories about a specific moment that was transitional or important in terms of who you became,' Loveday says. 'Nostalgic conversations are powerful social connectors.' Once a keen squash player, Scilla walked every day until Covid, when it was harder to get out. 'She now has limited mobility, which is partly a reflection of the progression of the disease and partly because she wasn't able to keep up the same level of exercise.' There is evidence that exercise improves brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein that supports cognitive function, Loveday says, and simply leaving the house can help because 'navigating stimulates the hippocampus. From an evolutionary point of view, the memory systems switch on because you need to find your way back to safety.' • 'They thought Dad was depressed. It was rare type of dementia' Scilla increased her intake of foods that contain flavanols and polyphenols — plant compounds 'which are probably supportive to brain health', Loveday says — such as berries and dark green vegetables and cut out sugary snacks to avoid glucose spikes, which are shown to reduce cognitive function. 'There is a comorbidity with dementia and diabetes.' She started taking fish oil and vitamin B supplements because there was 'some evidence they might support brain function' and Loveday encouraged her mum to keep to a stricter bedtime routine. While Alzheimer's sufferers often struggle to sleep, some evidence suggests improved sleep quality can improve progression. Loveday and her sisters ascertained their mum's wishes for her future care early on. This can be upsetting and 'we had to be gentle', Loveday says. She learnt that Scilla's main priority was remaining in her home in Devon, which she does, with the help of a carer since 2020. 'She was clear she didn't want any of her daughters to be giving up their life for her and it's helpful to have had that conversation.' Anyone struggling with recall should have their eyesight and hearing tested regularly — the NHS recommends annual hearing tests and eyesight tests every two years for those over 60 — because 'the richness of our sensory world impacts on memory', Loveday says. Although Scilla's hearing is 'brilliant' there is evidence that hearing impairment is linked with cognitive decline. 'We don't 100 per cent know why but it seems to be about social connection. If you can get hearing aids that reduces that.' Mempathy is available on Spotify
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How to Establish a Bedtime Routine for Toddlers (And Why You Really Should), According to a Neuropsychologist
Parents live and die by bedtime (or at least that's how it feels, right?), but getting a toddler on board with the idea can be a real challenge. That said, toddlers—like most of us—are creatures of habit who benefit from a predictable routine. As such, a solid bedtime routine for toddlers can do a lot to minimize the nighttime struggle and ensure that everyone gets the quality rest they need. I interviewed a neuropsychologist (and mom-of-two) to learn more about why bedtime routines for toddlers are so important and how parents can effectively implement one. Read on for the full scoop. What Time Do Kids *Really* Go to Bed? We Surveyed 70 Parents to Get to the Cold, Bleary-Eyed Truth Dr. Sanam Hafeez is a New York City-based neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind, a psychological practice that treats learning disorders, anxiety, depression and other psychopathological disorders. Dr. Hafeez obtained her Doctor of Psychology at Hofstra University and completed her post-doctoral training in neuropsychology and developmental pediatrics at Coney Island can be difficult to establish, especially since parenting has a tendency to feel, well, inherently chaotic. Still, bedtime routines for toddlers have significant benefits, so establishing one that you can stick with will be well worth the effort. For starters, 'a bedtime routine provides toddlers with a sense of stability and comfort, making the transition to sleep much smoother,' explains Dr. Hafeez, adding that, 'when the same calming steps happen night after night, children start to associate those moments with winding down, which helps their brains recognize when it's time to relax.' And that's just one way that a bedtime routine for toddlers can make your life easier; there are long-term benefits, too. Per the expert, 'this kind of consistency doesn't just support falling asleep more easily, it also contributes to better-quality rest, which is essential for healthy brain development, mood regulation, and immune function during these critical early years,' explains Dr. Hafeez. In other words, a routine doesn't just relieve the bedtime blues, it sets your child (and you) up for success across the board. SolStock/Getty Images I hinted at this earlier, but one of the hardest parts about routines and child-rearing is simply getting started. Fortunately, Dr. Hafeez shared a sample routine that has the soothing effect you're aiming for. You can read her advice below and use it as a template that can be tailored to your child's temperament and your own scheduling needs. 'After dinner, give your child a warm bath to help relax their body and signal that the day is coming to a close. Once they're in their pajamas, dim the lights and shift the mood to quiet. Head to their room and let them choose one book to read together. After the story, take a moment to talk softly about their day or sing a familiar lullaby. Tuck them in with their favorite stuffed animal or blanket, offer a goodnight kiss, and let them know you're nearby. This type of routine creates a rhythm that toddlers find both soothing and predictable.' Personally, I can attest to the importance of dimming lights and setting a bedtime mood. It's something I started when my two kids were toddlers and continues to this day, though it has evolved with our routine. (As my kids got older and evening baths were replaced by afternoon showers, I shifted the routine to turning off overhead lights, lighting scented candles and playing gentle music while cuddling on the couch.) d3sign/Getty Images It's best to start your routine at roughly the same time every night if possible because, as Dr. Hafeez explains, 'a steady rhythm helps set the body's internal clock, making it easier for toddlers to feel naturally sleepy.' Gradually set the scene and create a relaxing environment by lowering the lights and removing distractions, like noisy toys, etc. Per the expert, doing this will help your child's nervous system settle. Speaking of allowing your child's nervous system to settle, Dr. Hafeez also emphasizes the importance of eliminating screen time from a bedtime routine—namely because light from a screen 'interferes with the brain's natural sleep signals.' (Bonus points if you can follow this rule yourself.) Cuddling, reading and a quiet, conversational review of your child's day are all expert-approved ways of setting the right tone for bedtime. If needed, offer your toddler a light snack, but steer clear of sugar. This snack can be enjoyed during those aforementioned quiet moments of cuddling and reading. (I don't know if it strictly abides by the 'steer clear of sugar' rule, but I had great success giving my toddlers a 'bedtime banana' every night. It filled them up and the natural sugar in the fruit didn't seem to cause any disruption to our routine.) Brushing teeth with toddlers can be a battle, but it's important nevertheless. Indeed, Dr. Hafeez reminds that 'brushing teeth should always be part of the routine, as it builds good habits early on.' Even if your toddler is still wearing pull-ups over night, it's a good habit to empty the bladder before bed—and one that will ensure your child's comfort. The expert points out (and everyone agrees) that overnight accidents, whether it's in a pull-up or right on the bedding, are a recipe for night wakings that interrupt their rest. Jun/Getty Images Bedtime power struggles and soothing routines are completely at odds, so the expert advises that you do your best to avoid the former, adding that 'if your child resists, it's more effective to stay calm and address their needs than to force things.' Pro tip: leave excessively complicated or elaborate rituals out of the equation. 'Routines should be simple and consistent, not overly detailed or drawn out, which can lead to overstimulation,' says Dr. Hafeez. For much the same reason, the expert also cautions against overwhelming your child with choice during this period (i.e., provide a choice between two bedtime books, but don't let them browse the whole library). In other words, keep it simple, stupid! If you stick to the recommendation of having a regular time when your bedtime routine takes place, this shouldn't be such a problem. However, the expert emphasizes that it's never helpful to use bedtime as a consequence when evening shenanigans have gotten out of hand—namely because bedtime 'should feel like a peaceful, safe time of day' and you don't want to interfere with the feeling of consistency you're trying to create. Closely related to the last 'don't' and kind of a no-brainer, but the expert does indeed confirm that threats—like, if you don't go to bed right now, we aren't going to the playground in the morning—are not a good idea. In fact, 'they create anxiety and make things worse.' You might be practicing attachment parenting, or perhaps just flying by the seat of your pants and doing whatever you have to do to get a little shut-eye. Still, Dr. Hafeez notes that it's important to set boundaries early—particularly if you don't want your child sleeping in your bed longterm. Here, the 'don't' is quite simply the opposite of the 'do.' Dimming the lights at bedtime sets a soothing, sleepy-time tone; whereas, bright overhead lights (and screens!) tend to keep toddlers stimulated and that makes it harder for their brains to shift into sleep mode. Everything You Need to Know About Toddlers and Sleep (Including Why They Just Won't Freakin' Do It Already)
Khaleej Times
03-07-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Doomscrolling, jet lag; how to stay mentally healthy during summer
As summer travel ramps up and social media feeds flood with picture-perfect vacations, a UAE-based neuropsychologist warns that the season of sun and escape could be quietly fuelling stress, anxiety and disrupted sleep — especially in a region grappling with rising security concerns. 'We tend to idealise summer as a time of rest and happiness, but the psychological impact of constant digital exposure and unpredictable travel can be profound,' said Dr Alexandre Machado, Clinical Neuropsychologist at Hakkini. From endless doomscrolling to erratic routines and overstimulated children, the very things we associate with winding down could be interfering with our ability to mentally recharge. Whether it's checking the news or posting travel highlights, excessive screen time during summer holidays may be doing more harm than we think. 'Constant exposure to digital stimuli can over activate the brain's reward system — particularly the dopaminergic pathways — leading to addictive behaviours,' explained Dr Machado. 'At the same time, curated and idealised portrayals of life on social media can evoke feelings of inadequacy and envy, compromise self-esteem and triggering what we call a 'narcissistic injury." The neuropsychological toll of such habits can also impair attention, impulse control, and sleep — especially in young adults. News content adds its own layer of damage. 'Distressing news can trigger unconscious fears and existential anxieties, over activate the amygdala and disrupt the brain's ability to regulate emotions,' he said. 'This leads to increased anxiety, even when people are technically on holiday.' Travel doesn't always heal While travel can be emotionally healing and cognitively enriching, it doesn't come without its own mental strain. 'Travel can enhance neuroplasticity and promote emotional catharsis,' Dr Machado noted. 'But it can also trigger the body's stress response system — activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and spiking cortisol levels, especially in those with pre-existing mental health conditions.' Jet lag, unfamiliar environments, and unpredictable delays can further disturb the brain's executive functions and circadian rhythm, making rest even harder to come by. Another subtle but powerful mental burden is emerging — background anxiety tied to safety. 'Security concerns can evoke unconscious fears, which manifest as chronic anxiety or emotional detachment,' said Dr Machado. 'One way to process this is through journaling or therapy, which helps bring unconscious fears into awareness.' He also recommends practical techniques such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation to regulate the nervous system and restore emotional balance. Children feel it too The mental strain isn't limited to adults. Children — often freed from structure during the summer — are also at risk of emotional dysregulation. 'The lack of routine can impact a child's prefrontal cortex, making it harder to manage emotions,' said Dr Machado. 'Regressive behaviours, increased irritability, and even separation anxiety can emerge when children feel emotionally unanchored.' He suggests that parents establish flexible but consistent daily schedules, limit screen time, and encourage outdoor play and social interaction to keep kids mentally grounded. Suggestions for a healthier, more balanced summer 'Summer should be restorative,' concluded the neuropsychologist. 'But that requires conscious psychological work — not just a change of scenery.'
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What Is Attachment Parenting? An Expert Explains the Principles, and the Pros and Cons
Maybe you have a bun in the oven and are doing your research on all things parenting before baby arrives. Or perhaps you're testing the waters with different parenting styles in real time. Or maybe you're just curious about the choices your sister-in-law is making—co-sleeping? Breastfeeding well past a year? Either way, you might have heard of an approach called attachment parenting. So, what is attachment parenting, exactly? I spoke to a mental health expert to learn more on the benefits and disadvantages of this super responsive parenting style, and here's what I learned. Dr. Sanam Hafeez is a New York City-based neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind, a psychological practice that treats learning disorders, anxiety, depression and other psychopathological disorders. Dr. Hafeez obtained her Doctor of Psychology at Hofstra University and completed her post-doctoral training in neuropsychology and developmental pediatrics at Coney Island Hospital. Dr. Hafeez tells me that attachment parenting is a method of raising children that emphasizes building a close, trusting relationship: 'It encourages parents to be physically close and emotionally available, especially when the child is very young. Parents who follow this approach often breastfeed, carry their babies in slings, and sleep near them at night. The idea is that when a child feels safe and understood, they grow up more secure and confident.' That said, the expert also wants parents to know that this approach isn't about abiding by strict rules; instead, it encourages parents to listen to their gut and respond to their child's needs. (For example, a parent might choose to hold their baby during naps instead of putting them in a crib, so the baby feels more connected.) Attachment parenting also isn't right for every parent: 'Some people find it highly rewarding, while others find it exhausting,' says Dr. you're interested in practicing the attachment parenting style, the first principle encourages you to get a head start. This principle suggests that parents should 'learn about childbirth and early parenting, make informed choices, and reflect on their own childhoods to break unhealthy cycles,' says Dr. Hafeez. 'This principle focuses on breastfeeding when possible, but more broadly it means being emotionally present and responsive during feeding,' says Dr. Hafeez. In other words, you can still practice attachment parenting even if you are unable or choose not to breastfeed; the most important part is that you keep in mind that feeding time should 'provide emotional connection, not just nutrition.' Per the expert, parents are encouraged to notice and respond quickly and compassionately to their child's cues—namely because this helps the child feel understood, safe, and valued. Per the expert, attachment parenting credo emphasizes physical closeness like holding, cuddling, and baby-wearing—namely because 'gentle touch promotes bonding and can soothe stress for both parent and child.' Thinking about trying a CIO sleep-training method to get your baby to sleep through the night? Well, according to the principles of attachment parenting, that's a no-no. 'Babies should sleep in a safe environment that allows them to feel secure, which is why co-sleeping or room-sharing is often recommended to maintain emotional connection while prioritizing physical safety,' says Dr. Hafeez. That said, it's worth noting that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing rather co-sleeping (i.e., bed-sharing), due to the increased risk of SIDS during the first six months. 'Children thrive on predictable, attentive care from loving caregivers. When possible, attachment parenting encourages minimizing long separations and choosing caregivers who are warm and responsive,' says Dr. Hafeez. But what constitutes a long separation, you ask? Attachment Parenting International (API) points to research that shows kids under the age of 30 months experience stress when left in daycare situations for more than 20 hours per week. As such API recommends that working caregivers find an at-home childcare alternative, either with another parent or a private caregiver, and that an effort is made to maintain consistency in the arrangement so that the child can form secure attachments with the person providing care while you're away. (i.e., try not to swap nannies all the time). Attachment parenting promotes positive discipline because it has been proven to be more effective than other methods, such as fear-based approaches (i.e., threats) and physical discipline. Dr. Hafeez explains: 'instead of punishment, this approach promotes teaching and guiding with empathy and respect. The goal is to help children understand boundaries and learn self-control through connection, not fear.' What this looks like depends on the situation, but generally attachment parenting encourages kids to learn from natural consequences and practice peaceful conflict resolution skills when problems arise. This means, as it sounds, that you should aim to achieve a healthy balance between your personal well-being and your family responsibilities. 'It is essential to be a responsive parent but you must also take care of yourself,' says Dr. Hafeez, adding that, 'parents must prioritize their emotional and physical self-care to ensure effective and sustainable parenting practices.' In other words, an attachment parenting style does not mean that you have to sacrifice all of your own needs; in fact, if you neglect yourself, both you and your child will suffer. CatherineThis highly attentive and nurturing parenting style involves modeling desirable social behaviors to children from a very young age. Indeed, the expert says that 'responsive parenting leads children to develop an awareness of others' emotions and greater empathy.' Basically, this approach means that your kid will be less likely to pull little Suzy's pigtails and more likely to comfort her if someone else does. Yep, the emphasis on co-sleeping or room-sharing does lead to improved sleep patterns. Don't get too excited, though, because the benefit is mostly for your baby: 'Though early co-sleeping can disrupt adult sleep, children often develop more secure and healthy sleep patterns over time because they learn to associate sleep with comfort and safety' explains Dr. Hafeez. While you might think this parenting approach would result in a kid who remains attached to you at the hip for far longer than you'd like, apparently this isn't necessarily the case. 'Ironically, the intense dependence in early years fosters greater independence later on,' says Dr. Hafeez—namely because 'children who feel secure are more willing to explore their environment and try new things without fear.' FatCamera/Getty Images Attachment parenting certainly has its pros, but it's not exactly easy to practice. Indeed, the expert notes that one of the most significant disadvantages of this parenting approach is that you can get really burnt out trying to maintain it. 'The constant physical and emotional availability required can be exhausting, especially for primary caregivers. Without adequate rest or personal time, parents may experience stress, resentment, or fatigue.' As such, if you decide to adopt an attachment parenting style, you'd be wise to remember the eighth principle (which, in my opinion, should be the first). Attachment parenting really demands that a tremendous amount of attention be paid to the child at all times and, as a result, other relationships might fall by the wayside. The job of attachment parenting might be a labor of love, but it doesn't always feel that way between spouses. 'When one parent is always attending to the child, romantic and emotional intimacy between partners can suffer, which may create tension or disconnect in the relationship,' notes Dr. Hafeez. The expert also points out that certain aspects of attachment parenting, such as extended breastfeeding and bed-sharing, might be misunderstood and criticized by others. For what it's worth, I didn't practice attachment parenting in its purest form with my kids (they were both sleep trained) but I did breastfeed them both for over two years and there were definitely people in my orbit who found that weird. Bottom line: if you go the full-blown attachment parenting route, you can probably expect at least one member of your extended family to scoff at you a little. Pros and cons aside, the expert points out that this parenting style simply might not be doable for everyone. 'Single parents, working parents, or those without strong support systems may find the demands of attachment parenting unrealistic,' explains Dr. Hafeez, adding that 'the time and energy required can be a significant barrier.' If you're interested in attachment parenting and have an arrangement that's conducive to it, then, by all means, give it a shot. In order to decide whether or not it's right for you, you should first consider the unique needs and limitations of your family. And keep in mind that if it feels like too big a burden for you to adhere to completely, there's no harm in borrowing any and all of the ideas you can realistically apply and leaving the rest behind. From my experience, there's no perfect parenting dogma you can find.
Fast Company
31-05-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
Want to lower your dementia risk? Start by stressing less
The probability of any American having dementia in their lifetime may be far greater than previously thought. For instance, a 2025 study that tracked a large sample of American adults across more than three decades found that their average likelihood of developing dementia between ages 55 to 95 was 42%, and that figure was even higher among women, Black adults and those with genetic risk. Now, a great deal of attention is being paid to how to stave off cognitive decline in the aging American population. But what is often missing from this conversation is the role that chronic stress can play in how well people age from a cognitive standpoint, as well as everybody's risk for dementia. We are professors at Penn State in the Center for Healthy Aging, with expertise in health psychology and neuropsychology. We study the pathways by which chronic psychological stress influences the risk of dementia and how it influences the ability to stay healthy as people age. Recent research shows that Americans who are currently middle-aged or older report experiencing more frequent stressful events than previous generations. A key driver behind this increase appears to be rising economic and job insecurity, especially in the wake of the 2007-2009 Great Recession and ongoing shifts in the labor market. Many people stay in the workforce longer due to financial necessity, as Americans are living longer and face . Therefore, it may be more important than ever to understand the pathways by which stress influences cognitive aging. Social isolation and stress Although everyone experiences some stress in daily life, some people experience stress that is more intense, persistent or prolonged. It is this relatively chronic stress that is most consistently linked with poorer health. In a recent review paper, our team summarized how chronic stress is a hidden but powerful factor underlying cognitive aging, or the speed at which your cognitive performance slows down with age. It is hard to overstate the impact of stress on your cognitive health as you age. This is in part because your psychological, behavioral and biological responses to everyday stressful events are closely intertwined, and each can amplify and interact with the other. For instance, living alone can be stressful— particularly for older adults —and being isolated makes it more difficult to live a healthy lifestyle, as well as to detect and get help for signs of cognitive decline. Moreover, stressful experiences—and your reactions to them—can make it harder to sleep well and to engage in other healthy behaviors, like getting enough exercise and maintaining a healthy diet. In turn, insufficient sleep and a lack of physical activity can make it harder to cope with stressful experiences. Stress is often missing from dementia prevention efforts A robust body of research highlights the importance of at least 14 different factors that relate to your risk of Alzheimer's disease, a common and devastating form of dementia and other forms of dementia. Although some of these factors may be outside of your control, such as diabetes or depression, many of these factors involve things that people do, such as physical activity, healthy eating and social engagement. What is less well-recognized is that chronic stress is intimately interwoven with all of these factors that relate to dementia risk. Our work and research by others that we reviewed in our recent paper demonstrate that chronic stress can affect brain function and physiology, influence mood and make it harder to maintain healthy habits. Yet, dementia prevention efforts rarely address stress. Avoiding stressful events and difficult life circumstances is typically not an option. Where and how you live and work plays a major role in how much stress you experience. For example, people with lower incomes, less education or those living in disadvantaged neighborhoods often face more frequent stress and have fewer forms of support—such as nearby clinics, access to healthy food, reliable transportation or safe places to exercise or socialize—to help them manage the challenges of aging As shown in recent work on brain health in rural and underserved communities, these conditions can shape whether people have the chance to stay healthy as they age. Over time, the effects of stress tend to build up, wearing down the body's systems and shaping long-term emotional and social habits. Lifestyle changes to manage stress and lessen dementia risk The good news is that there are multiple things that can be done to slow or prevent dementia, and our review suggests that these can be enhanced if the role of stress is better understood. Whether you are a young, midlife or an older adult, it is not too early or too late to address the implications of stress on brain health and aging. Here are a few ways you can take direct actions to help manage your level of stress: Follow lifestyle behaviors that can improve healthy aging. These include: following a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity and getting enough sleep. Even small changes in these domains can make a big difference. Prioritize your mental health and well-being to the extent you can. Things as simple as talking about your worries, asking for support from friends and family and going outside regularly can be immensely valuable. If your doctor says that you or someone you care about should follow a new health care regimen, or suggests there are signs of cognitive impairment, ask them what support or advice they have for managing related stress. If you or a loved one feel socially isolated, consider how small shifts could make a difference. For instance, research suggests that adding just one extra interaction a day —even if it's a text message or a brief phone call —can be helpful, and that even interactions with people you don't know well, such as at a coffee shop or doctor's office, can have meaningful benefits. Walkable neighborhoods, lifelong learning A 2025 study identified stress as one of 17 overlapping factors that affect the odds of developing any brain disease, including stroke, late-life depression and dementia. This work suggests that addressing stress and overlapping issues such as loneliness may have additional health benefits as well. However, not all individuals or families are able to make big changes on their own. Research suggests that community-level and workplace interventions can reduce the risk of dementia. For example, safe and walkable neighborhoods and opportunities for social connection and lifelong learning—such as through community classes and events—have the potential to reduce stress and promote brain health. Importantly, researchers have estimated that even a modest delay in disease onset of Alzheimer's would save hundreds of thousands of dollars for every American affected. Thus, providing incentives to companies who offer stress management resources could ultimately save money as well as help people age more healthfully. In addition, stress related to the stigma around mental health and aging can discourage people from seeking support that would benefit them. Even just thinking about your risk of dementia can be stressful in itself. Things can be done about this, too. For instance, normalizing the use of hearing aids and integrating reports of perceived memory and mental health issues into routine primary care and workplace wellness programs could encourage people to engage with preventive services earlier. Although research on potential biomedical treatments is ongoing and important, there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease. However, if interventions aimed at reducing stress were prioritized in guidelines for dementia prevention, the benefits could be far-reaching, resulting in both delayed disease onset and improved quality of life for millions of people.
