Memory Archive

Women’s reproductive history, including first period, pregnancy, and menopause, influences their lifetime exposure to estrogen, which appears to shape brain aging and dementia risk. Menopause is believed to be the strongest reproductive factor, with later menopause tied to lower dementia risk.

Multitasking involves coupling one unconscious activity, such as walking on a treadmill, with a conscious one, such as reading a book. Task-switching involves attempting two conscious tasks at the same time. Constant task-switching can undermine focus, concentration, and working memory.

Vascular dementia, which results from brain cell damage due to reduced blood flow, can cause slowed thinking, confusion, and other cognitive changes. Carefully controlling risk factors for cardiovascular disease may help prevent vascular dementia.

Sudden changes in speech, balance, and coordination can signal an urgent health concern, especially when they fade quickly or recur.

When clonazepam doesn’t ease the unsteadiness of orthostatic tremor, other medicines may offer options to discuss with your doctor.

Transparent circles or other visual changes can appear before migraine pain. Find out what these symptoms may mean and what to discuss with your doctor.

A 2026 study found that older “super-movers”—adults 80 and older who walk significantly faster than their peers—were substantially less likely than slower walkers to develop cognitive impairment and had larger memory-related brain regions, suggesting that brisk walking speed may signal, or even support, healthier brain aging.

Head or neck trauma can sometimes damage key arteries supplying the brain. Find out how this rare injury might trigger a stroke in younger adults.

Many older adults feel they can’t keep up with the deluge of apps, texts, emails, patient portals, social media, and video calls that are now part of everyday life. Age-related brain changes can make digital overload more challenging, and too much screen time can affect physical and mental health.

People who aggressively lower their high blood pressure not only help their heart health, but also may protect their brains from cognitive decline in the process, according to a 2025 study.