Brain Health

Could GLP-1 Drugs Affect Mood? Study Links Medications to Lower Risk of Depression and Anxiety

A large analysis finds people taking GLP-1 medications had fewer psychiatric-related hospital visits, though researchers say the reasons remain unclear

Can What You Eat Slow Brain Aging? Study Links MIND Diet to Less Brain Shrinkage

Long-term data suggest a Mediterranean-style eating pattern may be tied to slower loss of brain volume, though researchers caution it’s not cause and effect

Early Drinking and Stress May Leave a Lasting Mark on the Brain

A mouse study suggests heavy alcohol use in early adulthood, especially alongside stress, could affect cognitive flexibility later in life—even after years of not drinking

Heavy Smartphone Use Linked to Disordered Eating and Body Dissatisfaction in Teens, Review Finds

A large review of global research found that adolescents who spend more time on smartphones are more likely to report emotional overeating, uncontrolled eating and dissatisfaction with their bodies.

Vitamin D Didn’t Reduce COVID Severity in Large Trial, but Researchers Saw Possible Link to Lower Long COVID Risk

A randomized clinical trial found high-dose vitamin D supplements did not reduce COVID hospitalizations or symptom severity, though researchers observed a small signal suggesting fewer long COVID symptoms among participants who took the vitamin.

Can Gut Bacteria Reach the Brain? A Mouse Study Suggests Diet May Play a Role

Researchers found that changes in the gut microbiome linked to a high-fat diet allowed small numbers of bacteria to travel to the brain in mice, pointing to a possible new pathway connecting diet and neurological health.

How Ketogenic Diets Help Control Epileptic Seizures

A new scientific review explains how shifting the brain’s fuel source may calm overactive neurons, reduce inflammation and protect brain cells in people with epilepsy.

Matcha May Reduce Sneezing in Allergies, Mouse Study Suggests

Researchers found that matcha tea reduced sneezing in mice with allergy symptoms by dampening activity in a brain region that controls the sneeze reflex.

How Early Diet May Shape Brain Circuits That Control Eating

A mouse study suggests high-fat, high-sugar diets early in life can alter adult feeding behavior, and certain gut-targeted interventions may influence the effect.

Healthy Diet Patterns Linked to Lower Risk of Early Cognitive Decline

A large study found the strongest associations when people ate well in midlife, not just later on.

Low-Fiber Refined Diets Linked to Memory Changes in Aging Rats

An animal study suggests the aged brain may be sensitive to fiber-free processed diets, possibly through reduced gut-derived butyrate.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Linked to Better Gut Diversity, Cognitive Scores in Older Adults

A two-year study suggests people who consumed virgin olive oil rather than refined versions showed more diverse gut microbiota and more favorable cognitive changes over time.

The Science Behind ‘the Munchies,’ Explained

A new clinical study finds cannabis increases food intake by changing how the brain values and responds to food, regardless of age, sex or body weight.

Protein and Daily Exercise May Help Preserve Function in Dementia

A 12-week program combining strength exercises and protein-rich nutritional drinks was linked to improved physical ability in some nursing home residents with dementia.

Sugary Drinks Linked to Anxiety in Teens, Review Finds

A large analysis shows a consistent association between high sugar beverage intake and anxiety symptoms, but researchers say the direction of the relationship remains unclear.

Some Drinking Water Kiosks Show Elevated Lead Levels

Research suggests reverse osmosis systems may reduce certain contaminants but increase corrosion-related lead under some conditions.

Inflammation May Help Explain Link Between Obesity, Cognitive Decline

A large Canadian study finds older adults with obesity-related inflammation are more likely to show cognitive impairment, pointing to metabolic health as a key piece of brain aging.

A 'Hidden' Group of Gut Bacteria Is Consistently Linked to Better Health

A global analysis suggests that little-studied microbes may help keep the gut ecosystem running smoothly across diets and cultures.

Moderate Coffee Intake Linked to Lower Dementia Risk

Long-term data suggest 2-3 cups a day may be associated with slower cognitive decline, though the effect appears modest.

Mediterranean Diet Linked to Lower Stroke Risk in Women

A long-term study of more than 100,000 women found lower rates of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke among those who most closely followed a Mediterranean-style eating pattern.

Ketogenic Diet Shows Modest Benefit in Depression Trial

A randomized clinical trial found short-term symptom improvement compared with a control diet, but researchers caution the clinical importance remains unclear.

Can Diet Play a Role in Teen Mental Health? New Review Finds Clues, Gaps

A review of 19 studies suggests overall diet quality may be linked to adolescent mental health, but researchers say stronger evidence is still needed.

How Metabolic Health May Shape Dementia Risk Over Time

A long-term study links diabetes, blood pressure and other modifiable factors to brain changes tied to Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.

How TikTok Shapes What Young People Want to Eat

A new study suggests food trends, influencers and algorithms play a measurable role in shaping dietary preferences among young users.

Where Nitrate Comes from May Matter for Brain Health

A long-term Danish study finds lower dementia risk linked to nitrate from vegetables, while nitrate from drinking water and some animal foods was tied to higher risk, highlighting the importance of dietary context.