Latest news with #BrainHealth
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The World Federation of Neurology to Host Global Webinar Uniting UN-ECOSOC, WHO and Leading Brain Health Experts for World Brain Day 2025, with the theme Brain Health for All Ages
LONDON, July 18, 2025 /CNW/ -- On July 22, the World Federation of Neurology (WFN) will celebrate its 12th annual World Brain Day, with the theme "Brain Health for All Ages." The official event of World Brain Day is a webinar, open to the public, taking place at 1:00 p.m. BST. World Brain Day is an annual event uniting the global community to protect and promote healthy brains. The webinar serves as a global call to action for both individuals, healthcare providers, non-governmental organizations, community leaders, policy-makers, and institutions to share meaningful information and activities to advance brain health in all parts of the world. "When one in three is affected by a brain disorder—and nearly 90% of this burden occurs in low- and middle-income countries, this campaign becomes not just important, but essential," said Professor Tissa Wijeratne, Co-Chair of World Brain Day. "It reflects a global commitment to protecting brain health across one's entire lifespan, from preconception through aging adulthood, ensuring that no one is left behind." This year's theme reminds us that brain health is a journey—not a milestone. It begins before birth, is refined in childhood, and is preserved through adulthood and older age, influencing our potential, resilience, and quality of life at every age. The fate of individuals suffering from neurological disorders has strong variations depending on the global region, due to varying health systems, access to care and available resources. Key Takeaways for this year's World Brain Day: Neurological disorders are the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) worldwide and the second leading cause of death. Brain health must be prioritized throughout one's lifespan, from preconception to aging adulthood. Prevention of neurological disorders begins with healthy lifestyle choices like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, quality sleep, stress management and social connection. Equal access to neurological care, diagnostics and therapies regardless of economic status is essential. We are committed to creating a global framework for brain health, focusing on early diagnosis and intervention, environmental risk mitigation, and equitable access to neurological care. "When we unite in our commitment to prioritize brain health, we have the power to meaningfully reduce the global burden of neurological disorders," said Emeritus Professor David Dodick, Co-Chair of World Brain Day. "It is both a privilege and an imperative to bring together some of the most respected voices in neurology for a special webinar—an event designed not only to elevate awareness, but to catalyze transformative progress in research, policy, care, and global advocacy." The World Brain Day webinar will feature distinguished experts from renowned organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Stroke Organization. WFN will also be joined by six Neurological Societies representing the major regions of the world. Dr. Lawrence Tucker, President, African Academy of Neurology Dr. Natalia Rost, President, American Academy of Neurology Prof. Christopher Chen, President, Asian and Oceanian Association of Neurology Prof. Elena Moro, President, European Academy of Neurology Dr. Renato Verdugo, President, Pan American Federation of Neurological Societies Dr. Amina Gargouri-Berrechid, President, Pan Arab Union of Neurological Societies "When we champion Brain Health for All Ages, we lay the foundation for stronger communities, healthier families, and a more resilient world," said Professor Wolfgang Grisold, President of the World Federation of Neurology. "This is a global call to action to elevate awareness, reduce stigma, and ensure that brain health becomes a priority for every government, every health system, and every individual, regardless of geography or age." Established by the WFN in 2014, World Brain Day continues to serve as a global platform for raising public awareness on key neurological health topics. Individuals, societies, and countries are encouraged to participate and amplify their voices on social media using hashtags such as #WorldBrainDay, #WBD2025, and #BrainHealthForAllAges. Visit the WFN website to register for the free World Brain Day webinar. Follow the WFN on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. About the World Federation of Neurology With support from its 125 national Neurological Member Societies, the World Federation of Neurology fosters quality neurology and brain health worldwide by promoting neurological education and training, with an emphasis on under-resourced areas of the world. As a non-state actor in official relations, WFN supports the World Health Organization (WHO) efforts to give everyone an equal chance to live a healthy life. With Member Societies around the globe, WFN unites the world's neurologists to ensure quality neurology and advocate for people to have better brain health. Learn more about the World Federation of Neurology at Media Contact:Ashley Logan, Yakkety Yakashley@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE World Federation of Neurology View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The World Federation of Neurology to Host Global Webinar Uniting UN-ECOSOC, WHO and Leading Brain Health Experts for World Brain Day 2025, with the theme Brain Health for All Ages
LONDON, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 22, the World Federation of Neurology (WFN) will celebrate its 12th annual World Brain Day, with the theme "Brain Health for All Ages." The official event of World Brain Day is a webinar, open to the public, taking place at 1:00 p.m. BST. World Brain Day is an annual event uniting the global community to protect and promote healthy brains. The webinar serves as a global call to action for both individuals, healthcare providers, non-governmental organizations, community leaders, policy-makers, and institutions to share meaningful information and activities to advance brain health in all parts of the world. "When one in three is affected by a brain disorder—and nearly 90% of this burden occurs in low- and middle-income countries, this campaign becomes not just important, but essential," said Professor Tissa Wijeratne, Co-Chair of World Brain Day. "It reflects a global commitment to protecting brain health across one's entire lifespan, from preconception through aging adulthood, ensuring that no one is left behind." This year's theme reminds us that brain health is a journey—not a milestone. It begins before birth, is refined in childhood, and is preserved through adulthood and older age, influencing our potential, resilience, and quality of life at every age. The fate of individuals suffering from neurological disorders has strong variations depending on the global region, due to varying health systems, access to care and available resources. Key Takeaways for this year's World Brain Day: Neurological disorders are the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) worldwide and the second leading cause of death. Brain health must be prioritized throughout one's lifespan, from preconception to aging adulthood. Prevention of neurological disorders begins with healthy lifestyle choices like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, quality sleep, stress management and social connection. Equal access to neurological care, diagnostics and therapies regardless of economic status is essential. We are committed to creating a global framework for brain health, focusing on early diagnosis and intervention, environmental risk mitigation, and equitable access to neurological care. "When we unite in our commitment to prioritize brain health, we have the power to meaningfully reduce the global burden of neurological disorders," said Emeritus Professor David Dodick, Co-Chair of World Brain Day. "It is both a privilege and an imperative to bring together some of the most respected voices in neurology for a special webinar—an event designed not only to elevate awareness, but to catalyze transformative progress in research, policy, care, and global advocacy." The World Brain Day webinar will feature distinguished experts from renowned organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Stroke Organization. WFN will also be joined by six Neurological Societies representing the major regions of the world. Dr. Lawrence Tucker, President, African Academy of Neurology Dr. Natalia Rost, President, American Academy of Neurology Prof. Christopher Chen, President, Asian and Oceanian Association of Neurology Prof. Elena Moro, President, European Academy of Neurology Dr. Renato Verdugo, President, Pan American Federation of Neurological Societies Dr. Amina Gargouri-Berrechid, President, Pan Arab Union of Neurological Societies "When we champion Brain Health for All Ages, we lay the foundation for stronger communities, healthier families, and a more resilient world," said Professor Wolfgang Grisold, President of the World Federation of Neurology. "This is a global call to action to elevate awareness, reduce stigma, and ensure that brain health becomes a priority for every government, every health system, and every individual, regardless of geography or age." Established by the WFN in 2014, World Brain Day continues to serve as a global platform for raising public awareness on key neurological health topics. Individuals, societies, and countries are encouraged to participate and amplify their voices on social media using hashtags such as #WorldBrainDay, #WBD2025, and #BrainHealthForAllAges. Visit the WFN website to register for the free World Brain Day webinar. Follow the WFN on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. About the World Federation of Neurology With support from its 125 national Neurological Member Societies, the World Federation of Neurology fosters quality neurology and brain health worldwide by promoting neurological education and training, with an emphasis on under-resourced areas of the world. As a non-state actor in official relations, WFN supports the World Health Organization (WHO) efforts to give everyone an equal chance to live a healthy life. With Member Societies around the globe, WFN unites the world's neurologists to ensure quality neurology and advocate for people to have better brain health. Learn more about the World Federation of Neurology at Media Contact:Ashley Logan, Yakkety Yakashley@ SOURCE World Federation of Neurology Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Medical News Today
14-07-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
What are the different types of dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for conditions that result in a loss of memory, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities. There are many different forms of dementia, and they occur due to changes in certain brain regions. Dementia is a general term that refers to a group of conditions that result in a progressive decline of brain functioning. These conditions can cause problems with memory, thinking, language, mood, emotions, and the ability to perform daily typically occurs due to changes in the brain that impact nerve cells or neurons, damaging a person's cognitive abilities. This article explores five different types of diseaseAccording to the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for roughly 60% to 80% of cases of dementia in the United are still unsure of the exact cause of Alzheimer's disease. However, it likely relates to changes in the brain, such as shrinking of certain regions, inflammation, and blood vessel damage that results in problems with memory and thinking indicates that many different factors, such as genetics and lifestyle behaviors, contribute to Alzheimer's disease. However, age is the biggest risk factor for the condition, with most people developing Alzheimer's disease at 65 years of age or disease progresses in stages, with worsening symptoms. Common symptoms can include:memory problemsthinking and reasoning difficultieslanguage problemsmood changesvision and hearing changesVascular dementiaVascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Society. It describes a form of dementia that occurs due to restrictions in blood flow to the brain. Inadequate blood flow can damage and eventually kill cells in the brain, resulting in a decline in thinking skills. People over the age of 65 are more likely to develop vascular experts refer to conditions that interrupt the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain as vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia. There are different types of vascular dementia that occur due to different blood supply problems to the brain. For example, vascular dementia can occur following a of vascular dementia can vary depending on the severity of blood vessel damage and the part of the brain it affects. Symptoms may be most obvious following an event that damages blood vessels, such as a stroke. For example, the Alzheimer's Association notes that post-stroke changes in thinking and perception can include:confusiondisorientationdifficulty speaking or understanding speechdifficulty balancing and walking problemsnumbness or paralysis on one side of the face or bodyCommon early signs of damage to blood vessels in the brain may include:impaired planning and judgmentuncontrolled laughing and cryinginability to pay attentionimpaired function in social settingstrouble finding the right wordsLewy body dementiaLewy body dementia is the third most common form of dementia. It occurs due to brain deposits of a protein known as alpha-synuclein, or Lewy bodies. There are two types of Lewy body dementia: dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease are currently unsure why Lewy bodies develop in the brain, or exactly how they cause dementia. However, the Alzheimer's Society notes that these protein deposits appear to disrupt the typical functioning of nerve cells, interfering with communication between brain body dementia usually develops over many years. These protein deposits can develop in the brain for a long time before a person presents with symptoms. Although it is possible for younger people to have Lewy body dementia, it usually begins at age 50 or older. Symptoms of Lewy body dementia can include:changes in thinking and reasoningmemory lossvisual hallucinationsproblems staying awakesleep disruptionParkinsonism, such as slow movement, tremors, or rigidityFrontotemporal dementiaFrontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a form of dementia that tends to occur at a younger age than other dementias. Roughly 60% of people with FTD are 45 to 64 years old. The condition was formerly known as Pick's disease, but health experts changed the name to reflect the brain areas the disease impacts. The Alzheimer's Association notes that while researchers do not fully understand the cause of FTD, many people with this form have proteins, known as tau and TDP-43, inside the nerve cells in their brain. The buildup of these proteins damages the neurons and eventually causes cell deathAccording to the Alzheimer's Society, there are two main types of FTD. Behavioral variant FTD describes when damage occurs to the frontal lobes. These lobes are present behind the forehead and help with processing information. As such, behavioral variant FTD can cause symptoms with behavior and progressive aphasia FTD refers to damage to the temporal lobes. These lobes are present on eitherside of the head and help with the understanding of speech. As such, damage to the temporal lobes can cause difficulty with language. This can cause symptoms like difficulty formulating words in a sentence, or affect a person's dementiaIn some cases, people may develop multiple types of dementia. This is known as mixed dementia. When an older adult develops dementia, it is likely due to a combination of different types, rather than just a single type. According to the Alzheimer's Society, roughly 1 in 10 people with a diagnosis of dementia may receive a diagnosis of mixed it can be difficult to diagnose mixed dementia, as a doctor is likely to base their diagnosis on the main type of disease they think is present and causing symptoms. The Alzheimer's Association notes that a combination of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia is the most common such, there is no fixed set of symptoms for mixed dementia. The symptoms a person experiences can vary depending on the type of dementia they The treatment a person receives will depend on the type of dementia they have. Currently, there is no cure for dementia. However, treatments are available to help slow the progression of the may include a combination of medications and non-medical treatment, such as therapies and person-centered care. These treatments may help to improve or stabilize memory, thinking skills, and behavioral can also help address other issues that may affect everyday tasks, such as problems with mobility, speech, and swallowing.»FIND CARE:Find a dementia specialist in your area is an umbrella term for conditions that cause a gradual decline in thinking processes, such as memory, problem-solving, and speech. There are many different forms of dementia, which develop for different reasons. Some common types of dementia include Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia occurs due to changes in the brain that damage and kill nerve cells. This results in a variety of symptoms, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and problems with language and who suspects themselves or a loved one is experiencing dementia should speak with a healthcare professional.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- 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.
