Keeping Sharp
Let’s Talk Brain Health – Daniel Carter’s Guide to Staying Sharp.
recent posts
- Is There a Connection Between Hearing Loss and Dementia?
- Can Things Like Crossword Puzzles and Sudoku Really Keep My Mind Sharp?
- Is There a Connection Between Gut Health and Brain Function?
- What’s the Latest Research on Preventing Dementia?
- Are There Vitamins or Supplements That Help Prevent Memory Loss?
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Yes — and it’s stronger than many people realize. Growing research shows that hearing loss in midlife and beyond is one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for dementia. According to the 2020 Lancet Commission on Dementia, untreated hearing loss may account for up to 8% of dementia cases worldwide — more than any…
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Crossword fans and Sudoku lovers, rejoice — your favorite pastimes may be doing more than just passing time. These types of “mentally engaging leisure activities” have been shown to support cognitive health, especially as we age. Studies have found that people who regularly challenge their brains with puzzles, strategy games, or learning new skills tend…
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It might sound surprising, but your gut and your brain are in constant communication. This connection — known as the gut-brain axis — is one of the most exciting areas in brain health research today. Your gut is home to trillions of microbes that help digest food, regulate inflammation, and even produce neurotransmitters like serotonin,…
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The science is clear and growing stronger: dementia is not inevitable, and in many cases, risk can be significantly reduced through lifestyle changes. In fact, new research is shifting the conversation from treatment to prevention. One of the most influential studies is the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, which identified 12 modifiable risk factors that,…
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Walk into any pharmacy, and you’ll see shelves full of supplements promising better memory, sharper focus, and a healthier brain. But do they actually work? The short answer: Some nutrients matter, but most supplements don’t deliver what they claim. For example, vitamin B12 is essential for brain health — and a deficiency can cause memory…
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You’ve probably seen the ads: “Boost your brain in just minutes a day!” But can brain training games really sharpen your mind — or is it just clever marketing? The answer is… it depends. Research shows that some brain games can improve specific mental skills, like attention or reaction time — but only in the…
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Here’s something worth getting excited about: science just gave us even more proof that you can take control of your brain health — and it’s not too late to start. The U.S. POINTER Study, led by the Alzheimer’s Association, is one of the most important dementia prevention trials ever conducted in the United States. And…
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Forgetfulness can be frustrating — but is it something we can fix? The short answer: while most age-related memory loss isn’t fully reversible, there are ways to slow it down, and in some cases, even improve it. Some causes of memory issues — like stress, sleep deprivation, depression, vitamin B12 deficiency, or medication side effects…
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It’s easy to brush off small memory lapses, but how do you know when it’s something more? The early signs of Alzheimer’s or other dementias can be subtle, but recognizing them early is key to getting support and care. The most common early symptom is memory loss that disrupts daily life — not just forgetting…
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It’s natural to worry when memory slips become more frequent with age. But how do you know whether it’s normal aging — or something more concerning, like early dementia? Understanding the difference can help you take the right steps toward maintaining brain health. Normal aging often involves minor memory lapses, such as occasionally forgetting names…