logo
#

Latest news with #NationalInstituteOnAging

Could Dementia Patients Benefit from an A.I. Companion?
Could Dementia Patients Benefit from an A.I. Companion?

New York Times

time31-07-2025

  • Health
  • New York Times

Could Dementia Patients Benefit from an A.I. Companion?

When Frank Poulsen, 72, first started talking to the artificial intelligence companion Sunny earlier this year, she was 'kind of formal,' he said. But over time, their conversations have become more familiar and engaging. 'It's really uncanny,' he said, adding, 'It really does feel like you're having a conversation with someone who's interested.' One advantage of Sunny is that she doesn't mind when Mr. Poulsen, who was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment in 2019, repeats himself. 'He can tell a story and forget he told it and tell it again,' said Mr. Poulsen's wife and caregiver, Cheryl Poulsen. 'Sunny has no judgment.' Sunny, which was developed by the A.I. start-up NewDays, is part of a rapidly expanding body of A.I. products designed to help people with dementia. 'I've never seen something quite like this in terms of a technology moving as quickly as it is, with as much money poured behind it,' said Luke Stoeckel, a program director and project scientist at the National Institute on Aging, who works on A.I. applications for dementia care. Dr. Stoeckel mentioned A.I.-based dementia diagnostics as another hot area. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.

‘Shar-pei sex', swinging, and 10 orgasms in an afternoon: This is sex after 60
‘Shar-pei sex', swinging, and 10 orgasms in an afternoon: This is sex after 60

The Guardian

time03-07-2025

  • General
  • The Guardian

‘Shar-pei sex', swinging, and 10 orgasms in an afternoon: This is sex after 60

There is a stereotype that sex is just a young person's game. But the numbers don't back that up. 'That is not what we've found in our studies,' says Dr Cynthia Graham, senior scientist at the Kinsey Institute and distinguished professor in gender studies at the University of Indiana. Numbers vary widely, Graham says, because different studies define sex differently; some define it exclusively as sexual intercourse, while others define it more broadly. According to research by Graham and her team, the percentage of men aged 65 to 75 who are sexually active is anywhere from 40% to 91%. For women, it's from 25% to 78%. The numbers also fluctuate based on culture, religion, education, romantic status, health and the country in which one lives. Graham's research has shown that older adults in Norway have more sex than those in Portugal, for example. Not only are older adults having sex – they're having good sex. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), 'many older couples find greater satisfaction in their sex lives than they did when they were younger'. Ageing comes with physical changes, but that doesn't mean the end of pleasure. Graham says that in her group's research, older adults said changes in physical function 'didn't really impact their satisfaction'. They reported doing things differently from before, with less focus on penetrative sex. Below, Guardian readers over 60 share how their sex lives have changed as they've aged. I'm 70, and my wife is 72. We have sex three times a week, more if we feel like it. We laugh when young people realize – and are appalled by – two old farts still having sex. Or, as we describe it: 'Shar-pei sex.' When we were younger, sex was plentiful, frantic and more shallow, but good fun. Now that we're older, it's more measured, more valued. We both appreciate the subtle and aesthetic aspects more than when we were 70, and Patricia, 72, Maine I always enjoyed sex, but as a full-time high school teacher and single mother of one, I was overwhelmed and very busy. Fast-forward to living alone: I have had several lovers, and at the age of 71, I am having the best sex of my life. I joke with friends about my three fully charged vibrators that I use in conjunction with a chocolate edible. I watch porn – girl-on-girl and hetero sex. I can orgasm 10 times in an afternoon. I also regularly have sex with a man my age. We usually have sex three times per encounter. I call it my 9pm, 3am and 9am. It's fabulous. I think of sex as part of my self-care. I think it keeps me 71 I have sex as often as possible with my lover. She is 67. I use Viagra for erectile dysfunction, and have for years. I still enjoy sex very much, and so does she. I prefer older women who know what they 64 I've been very happily married to my wife for 35 years. We have sex anywhere from once to three times a week. Sometimes a week or two go by [without sex] and that's not a big deal. Intimacy is more than sex. We have lots of laughs, we chase each other around, we cuddle and have a blast. Our sex has become even less inhibited, more exploratory. Not that we were inhibited in the past – we've had sex pretty much every place you can imagine. But now there's somehow more freedom and abandon. We use toys, we don't worry if one of us doesn't climax every time and we can, with a few creaks, bound around into different positions. 'Use it or lose it' is something we tell people who are struggling sexually with their partners. When someone says they haven't had sex with their partner in a long time, we say: 'Put on your mining helmet and get to work.'JB, 64, New York My marriage of 30 years ended three years ago. Since the split, I have had multiple partners. Usually younger men. I have the best sex of my life. I'm post-menopausal and cannot get pregnant, both of which are great for sex. My longest post-marriage sexual relationship lasted six months, and the quickest, 10 minutes. I like to be free and single, but I do like a secret lover. I'm more body-confident than when I was 30. I'm able to express my desires and needs as men always have. I no longer use alcohol to drum up courage. It's so much better. I really see sex as a 60 I'm 77, and my husband is eight years younger. I met him in 2019, a year after my husband of 50 years died. Previously, I had been celibate for 25 years because my first husband's health wasn't good, but I missed sex. It is wonderful to be with an affectionate, uninhibited, patient and sensuous man now. We have sex every two to three days, sometimes even twice a night. Time is the difference. Now we can spend as long as we want in bed. In my first marriage, we tended to be efficient at sex. Straight for the goal. When I met my second husband, I knew I wanted a healthy sexual relationship. I love his moves and his fascination with my body. I love the texture of his skin and his smell. Sex is a form of communication for 77 I have one longstanding partner. We've been in a casual relationship for decades. Sex has always been great between us, but now it's even better. Fewer inhibitions, more time, no worries about pregnancy or how I look. With age comes more 65 I am married and have just one partner. Our frequency of sex is highly variable. Sometimes it's five times a week, and sometimes there's a month without. Sex changed significantly after age 55-60. In that time, stress lessened in a number of areas of my life. The biggest change was realizing I didn't need to worry about how people perceived me. I'm confident in who I am, and that has been a big boost in my sexuality. Do not let your sex life stagnate. As my stamina has decreased, I have learned to compensate with expertise in pleasing a woman. It has become more of a sensual journey. Quality is more important than quantity. Marc, 69, Idaho Sign up to Well Actually Practical advice, expert insights and answers to your questions about how to live a good life after newsletter promotion I have one partner, and we have sex twice a week. It's scheduled, because I take ED pills. This is the best sex ever, even though we are more physically limited. During the pandemic, we had time and marijuana gummies. We began to have sex for two to four hours. She has more orgasms than I 82 My sex life is wonderfully non-existent. Five years ago, after 40 years of committed monogamous relationships, I stopped looking for partners. My relationships with friends and family are deeper now, and my solitary time is profoundly rewarding. It has been the best, most fulfilling and expansive period of my life. I can't see where a man's needs and desires would fit into my life. This may change, but it is simply not part of my routine or schedule right 68 In a 27-year relationship, sex had faded to nothing. He didn't make an effort, and wouldn't discuss it either. I left him seven years ago, and had a few years of playing the field, mostly with swingers. One was 50 years younger than me. Great fun. The 27 years of suburban monogamy were not my true nature. Now, I'm with a guy who loves sex and variety as much as I do. We have sex every day, sometimes with other couples or at swinger events. I've returned to the libertine spirit that I had. Anonymous, 77 Until 65, my sex life was very good. I had several lovers, and rarely a day went by without sex. Then I had several bouts of Covid and some long-term after-effects, and I've not been as sexually active since. Now, I seem to have a block. I miss intimacy but also shrink away from it. The men that are interested in me tend to be 15-20 years younger, and this is a little unsettling. This wouldn't have bothered me in the past, but now I feel strange about it. In theory, I feel good about myself and the ageing process, but in reality, the ageism in the US has a negative effect on my psyche. In the US, intimacy in later years is treated like a bad joke by many or at best an opportunity for capitalism to exploit with pills and creams. I don't feel this way when I'm in France. The best advice I have is to know and love your body and not be influenced by media or porn or anything that is designed to make you feel less than. You are enough. The pleasure and transcendence between lovers is what matters – the exchange of 69, California and France After I turned 60, I stopped worrying that ED would ruin my ability to enjoy sex. I've tried all the pills and even injections, but nothing works. So we enjoy naked time together. My relationship to sex used to have a transactional element – you do this and I'll do that. Then, it was appreciation of another man's body and my own. Now, it's more about having a laugh, making out and hand retired, California After two kids, four divorces, two malignancies and a life-threatening illness between us, we find ourselves happier than we ever dared dream. We have stumbled upon the key: the most important erogenous zone is between our ears. Constant unbridled enthusiasm for every type of intimacy makes us feel completely satisfied. We decided to put our lust for each other front and center. Every outing is a date. Every drive is an opportunity to kiss before attaching the seatbelt. We're in our third decade as lovers, and every day is better than the last. Our best advice: showing unlimited enthusiasm for your partner will keep them coming back, no matter what life throws at 75, and Candy, 70, Ohio I met my now husband 10 years ago, courtesy of this newspaper. I had been married twice before, and he three times. After we first made love, he said I had given him his sex life back. He has a long-term medical condition that means he cannot get an erection. We have a deep and loving sex life with no penetration, and I have never felt as loved and fulfilled as I do now. We don't need sex toys, just tongues and fingers. It's wonderful!Anonymous, 73 I couldn't be happier. I am 83 and I am enjoying a wonderful retirement with a girlfriend who is also sexually active. My first wife passed away in 2006, after 41 years together. My second marriage lasted for seven years until I bailed out. I was an unhappy bachelor until I met my current girlfriend. She is 84 and I consider myself blessed. She is a wonderfully communicative partner. We have sex one to two times a week. There is no reason to be ashamed of your body and whether you are 'hung' or not. Be happy with what you've got, and never underestimate the importance of foreplay. Relax and enjoy the journey. It's what's in your heart that counts. Anonymous, 83 Answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity

‘Shar-pei sex', swinging, and 10 orgasms in an afternoon: This is sex after 60
‘Shar-pei sex', swinging, and 10 orgasms in an afternoon: This is sex after 60

The Guardian

time02-07-2025

  • General
  • The Guardian

‘Shar-pei sex', swinging, and 10 orgasms in an afternoon: This is sex after 60

There is a stereotype that sex is just a young person's game. But the numbers don't back that up. 'That is not what we've found in our studies,' says Dr Cynthia Graham, senior scientist at the Kinsey Institute and distinguished professor in gender studies at the University of Indiana. Numbers vary widely, Graham says, because different studies define sex differently; some define it exclusively as sexual intercourse, while others define it more broadly. According to research by Graham and her team, the percentage of men aged 65 to 75 who are sexually active is anywhere from 40% to 91%. For women, it's from 25% to 78%. The numbers also fluctuate based on culture, religion, education, romantic status, health and the country in which one lives. Graham's research has shown that older adults in Norway have more sex than those in Portugal, for example. Not only are older adults having sex – they're having good sex. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), 'many older couples find greater satisfaction in their sex lives than they did when they were younger'. Ageing comes with physical changes, but that doesn't mean the end of pleasure. Graham says that in her group's research, older adults said changes in physical function 'didn't really impact their satisfaction'. They reported doing things differently from before, with less focus on penetrative sex. Below, Guardian readers over 60 share how their sex lives have changed as they've aged. I'm 70, and my wife is 72. We have sex three times a week, more if we feel like it. We laugh when young people realize – and are appalled by – two old farts still having sex. Or, as we describe it: 'Shar-pei sex.' When we were younger, sex was plentiful, frantic and more shallow, but good fun. Now that we're older, it's more measured, more valued. We both appreciate the subtle and aesthetic aspects more than when we were 70, and Patricia, 72, Maine I always enjoyed sex, but as a full-time high school teacher and single mother of one, I was overwhelmed and very busy. Fast-forward to living alone: I have had several lovers, and at the age of 71, I am having the best sex of my life. I joke with friends about my three fully charged vibrators that I use in conjunction with a chocolate edible. I watch porn – girl-on-girl and hetero sex. I can orgasm 10 times in an afternoon. I also regularly have sex with a man my age. We usually have sex three times per encounter. I call it my 9pm, 3am and 9am. It's fabulous. I think of sex as part of my self-care. I think it keeps me 71 I have sex as often as possible with my lover. She is 67. I use Viagra for erectile dysfunction, and have for years. I still enjoy sex very much, and so does she. I prefer older women who know what they 64 I've been very happily married to my wife for 35 years. We have sex anywhere from once to three times a week. Sometimes a week or two go by [without sex] and that's not a big deal. Intimacy is more than sex. We have lots of laughs, we chase each other around, we cuddle and have a blast. Our sex has become even less inhibited, more exploratory. Not that we were inhibited in the past – we've had sex pretty much every place you can imagine. But now there's somehow more freedom and abandon. We use toys, we don't worry if one of us doesn't climax every time and we can, with a few creaks, bound around into different positions. 'Use it or lose it' is something we tell people who are struggling sexually with their partners. When someone says they haven't had sex with their partner in a long time, we say: 'Put on your mining helmet and get to work.'JB, 64, New York My marriage of 30 years ended three years ago. Since the split, I have had multiple partners. Usually younger men. I have the best sex of my life. I'm post-menopausal and cannot get pregnant, both of which are great for sex. My longest post-marriage sexual relationship lasted six months, and the quickest, 10 minutes. I like to be free and single, but I do like a secret lover. I'm more body-confident than when I was 30. I'm able to express my desires and needs as men always have. I no longer use alcohol to drum up courage. It's so much better. I really see sex as a 60 I'm 77, and my husband is 8 years younger. I met him in 2019, a year after my husband of 50 years died. Previously, I had been celibate for 25 years because my first husband's health wasn't good, but I missed sex. It is wonderful to be with an affectionate, uninhibited, patient and sensuous man now. We have sex every two to three days, sometimes even twice a night. Time is the difference. Now we can spend as long as we want in bed. In my first marriage, we tended to be efficient at sex. Straight for the goal. When I met my second husband, I knew I wanted a healthy sexual relationship. I love his moves and his fascination with my body. I love the texture of his skin and his smell. Sex is a form of communication for 77 I have one long-standing partner. We've been in a casual relationship for decades. Sex has always been great between us, but now it's even better. Fewer inhibitions, more time, no worries about pregnancy or how I look. With age comes more 65 I am married and have just one partner. Our frequency of sex is highly variable. Sometimes it's five times a week, and sometimes there's a month without. Sex changed significantly after age 55-60. In that time, stress lessened in a number of areas of my life. The biggest change was realizing I didn't need to worry about how people perceived me. I'm confident in who I am, and that has been a big boost in my sexuality. Do not let your sex life stagnate. As my stamina has decreased, I have learned to compensate with expertise in pleasing a woman. It has become more of a sensual journey. Quality is more important than quantity. Marc, 69, Idaho Sign up to Well Actually Practical advice, expert insights and answers to your questions about how to live a good life after newsletter promotion I have one partner, and we have sex twice a week. It's scheduled, because I take ED pills. This is the best sex ever, even though we are more physically limited. During the pandemic, we had time and marijuana gummies. We began to have sex for two to four hours. She has more orgasms than I 82 My sex life is wonderfully non-existent. Five years ago, after 40 years of committed monogamous relationships, I stopped looking for partners. My relationships with friends and family are deeper now, and my solitary time is profoundly rewarding. It has been the best, most fulfilling and expansive period of my life. I can't see where a man's needs and desires would fit into my life. This may change, but it is simply not part of my routine or schedule right 68 In a 27-year relationship, sex had faded to nothing. He didn't make an effort, and wouldn't discuss it either. I left him seven years ago, and had a few years of playing the field, mostly with swingers. One was 50 years younger than me. Great fun. The 27 years of suburban monogamy were not my true nature. Now, I'm with a guy who loves sex and variety as much as I do. We have sex every day, sometimes with other couples or at swinger events. I've returned to the libertine spirit that I had. Anonymous, 77 Until 65, my sex life was very good. I had several lovers, and rarely a day went by without sex. Then I had several bouts of Covid and some long-term after-effects, and I've not been as sexually active since. Now, I seem to have a block. I miss intimacy but also shrink away from it. The men that are interested in me tend to be 15-20 years younger, and this is a little unsettling. This wouldn't have bothered me in the past, but now I feel strange about it. In theory, I feel good about myself and the ageing process, but in reality, the ageism in the US has a negative effect on my psyche. In the US, intimacy in later years is treated like a bad joke by many or at best an opportunity for capitalism to exploit with pills and creams. I don't feel this way when I'm in France. The best advice I have is to know and love your body and not be influenced by media or porn or anything that is designed to make you feel less than. You are enough. The pleasure and transcendence between lovers is what matters – the exchange of 69, California and France After I turned 60, I stopped worrying that ED would ruin my ability to enjoy sex. I've tried all the pills and even injections, but nothing works. So we enjoy naked time together. My relationship to sex used to have a transactional element – you do this and I'll do that. Then, it was appreciation of another man's body and my own. Now, it's more about having a laugh, making out and hand retired, California After two kids, four divorces, two malignancies and a life-threatening illness between us, we find ourselves happier than we ever dared dream. We have stumbled upon the key: the most important erogenous zone is between our ears. Constant unbridled enthusiasm for every type of intimacy makes us feel completely satisfied. We decided to put our lust for each other front and center. Every outing is a date. Every drive is an opportunity to kiss before attaching the seatbelt. We're in our third decade as lovers, and every day is better than the last. Our best advice: showing unlimited enthusiasm for your partner will keep them coming back, no matter what life throws at 75, and Candy, 70, Ohio I met my now husband 10 years ago, courtesy of this newspaper. I had been married twice before, and he three times. After we first made love, he said I had given him his sex life back. He has a long-term medical condition that means he cannot get an erection. We have a deep and loving sex life with no penetration, and I have never felt as loved and fulfilled as I do now. We don't need sex toys, just tongues and fingers. It's wonderful!Anonymous, 73 I couldn't be happier. I am 83 and I am enjoying a wonderful retirement with a girlfriend who is also sexually active. My first wife passed away in 2006, after 41 years together. My second marriage lasted for seven years until I bailed out. I was an unhappy bachelor until I met my current girlfriend. She is 84 and I consider myself blessed. She is a wonderfully communicative partner. We have sex one to two times a week. There is no reason to be ashamed of your body and whether you are 'hung' or not. Be happy with what you've got, and never underestimate the importance of foreplay. Relax and enjoy the journey. It's what's in your heart that counts. Anonymous, 83 Answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity

Preparing for a doctor's appointment
Preparing for a doctor's appointment

Medical News Today

time28-05-2025

  • General
  • Medical News Today

Preparing for a doctor's appointment

Preparing well for a doctor's appointment can ensure a person gets the most out of their time with the doctor and covers everything necessary, including questions and concerns. A person can feel more prepared by noting anything in particular they want to discuss with the doctor, any questions they may have, and gathering important information beforehand that the doctor may require. Portra/Getty Images Preparing for a doctor's appointment can ensure it goes smoothly and successfully, discussing any symptoms, issues, and possible treatments for the future. Some ways to prepare for a doctor's appointment include : Make a detailed and thorough list of concerns so nothing important is forgotten. The National Institute on Aging has several 'Talking With Your Doctor' worksheets that may help a person put into words what they want to say. Document all the symptoms a person may be experiencing, including when they began, how long they lasted, feelings and emotions accompanying them, triggers, and more. Note down questions a person may want to ask, including what symptoms may mean, what certain tests are for, and possible treatment options. Make a list of what medications are currently used. Prepare to discuss current lifestyle factors, such as diet or exercise. Bring a family member or friend along for support. The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK has a list of questions that a person can use to prepare for an appointment with a doctor, including: how to make sure everything the doctor says is understood, including the next steps, such as booking tests or waiting for test results making sure to ask about all the different treatment options possible, side effects, duration, and what a person can do at home to help themselves where to find more information, or who to contact for more information Some people may experience anxiety or apprehension when getting ready to go to a doctor's appointment. It is important to remember that a person can write down their concerns or questions and give this to the doctor instead if they feel anxious about having to discuss things verbally. Other ways of preparing include: arranging transport so a person can arrive early and on time for the appointment taking a pen and paper to note down anything significant that the doctor discusses making sure to communicate clearly and effectively Preparing for a doctor's appointment by noting down questions, voicing concerns, and gathering important information beforehand can help a person ensure they have a productive and helpful doctor's appointment. Medical Practice Management

8 Foods to Eat Daily for Better Memory, According to RDs
8 Foods to Eat Daily for Better Memory, According to RDs

Yahoo

time10-05-2025

  • Health
  • Yahoo

8 Foods to Eat Daily for Better Memory, According to RDs

If there's one thing most of us can agree on, it's this: we want better brain there's no magic pill, research shows that the best foods for memory can make a real difference in how well your brain ages—especially when it comes to thinking clearly, staying focused and remembering details, according to the National Institute on Aging. 🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 That's where your diet comes in. Adding certain brain-boosting ingredients to your meals may help sharpen focus, reduce brain fog, and hey, maybe even help you to beat your Wordle record. So, what should be on your plate if you want to keep your mind sharp? We asked registered dietitians to break down the best foods for memory and brain health. Here's what they had to say. Related: The Most Important Supplement for Brain Health You might love adding walnuts to your favorite salad, Greek yogurt parfait, or by themselves as a snack. Regardless of the presentation, walnuts are one food you'll want to eat more of if you're in the game to enhance your memory. "Walnuts are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health," Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian based in Charleston, SC, tells Parade. "In fact, they are the only tree nut that is an excellent source of ALA omega-3 fatty acids." They also contain antioxidants and vitamin E, both known to support better cognitive function and protect the brain from stress. One study even found that eating 50 grams at breakfast improved reaction time on focus-related tasks throughout the day. Related: Although many people are opting for plant-based milk alternatives these days, regular dairy milk is actually one of the best foods for memory. According to Manaker, real milk provides a unique combination of 13 essential nutrients the body needs to be healthy that are hard to find in other alternatives. "For one, regular milk contains iodine that supports proper thyroid function which plays a crucial role in brain health and cognitive function," says Manaker. "It also contains choline which is a nutrient known to aid in the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that supports memory and learning." Related: Mushrooms can be polarizing: People either love them or hate them. If you're among the latter, you might soon change your tune: Mushrooms are actually one of the best foods for memory. "Packed with essential nutrients like antioxidants and B vitamins, mushrooms support brain health by reducing inflammation and promoting better cognitive function," says Manaker. "Certain types, like lion's mane, are even known for their potential to enhance memory and focus by encouraging the growth of nerve cells." Not sure how to incorporate them into your diet? Try adding them to your next pasta dish, making stuffed mushrooms or using them in some soup. Related: Salmon is one of those fatty fish that's beneficial for both heart and brain health. In fact, recent research from the American Academy of Neurology suggests that eating cold-water fish and other sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, may preserve brain health and enhance cognition in middle age. "A fatty fish like salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, which makes up a large part of brain cell membranes," says Mariana Dineen, RD, registered dietitian and founder of Elemento Health. "These healthy fats help reduce inflammation, protect neurons and support better memory and thinking skills.' Related: Whether you're eating a blueberry muffin or enjoying a blueberry smoothie, you'll be getting the brain-boosting benefits of this sweet berry in the process. "Blueberries contain flavonoids which act as antioxidants that can help lower the risk of developing dementia and age-related memory loss," says Connie Elick, MS, RD,a registered dietitian and instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education's Los Angeles campus. Indeed, a 2019 research study found that eating or supplementing with blueberries improved cognitive performance, especially short-term, long-term, and spatial memory. Related: Next time you have avocado toast or add a side of guacamole to your Chipotle order, know you're actually doing your brain a favor. "Avocados contain the pigment carotenoid called lutein which helps to improve cognitive functioning by increasing neural processing speed," says Sale. "It also can help to prevent cognitive decline and improve visual memory."What's more, a study published in Frontiers in Nutritionfound that older adults that consumed avocado had better cognition than their counterparts. Related: Whether you eat macadamia nuts by the handful or in a cookie, they are an excellent and rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), Omega 7 and 9. "Macadamia nuts provide a healthy ratio of polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) Omega-6:3," says Manaker. "These are the healthy fats that your body needs to fight inflammation and aid in maintaining your body's natural functions. Additionally, a combination of MUFA and PUFA fats, like those found in macadamia nuts, help protect your brain and cognitive function.' Related: Although leafy greens don't always sound the most appetizing, they are some of the best foods for memory. According to Dineen, leafy greens like spinach, kale and arugula are packed with nutrients like vitamin K, folate and lutein—all known to support brain health. "Long-term studies have linked daily leafy green intake with better memory and a slower rate of cognitive aging," she tells Parade. "These veggies are a key part of eating patterns like the MIND diet, which has been shown to protect brain function over time.' The most recent research on the subject, published in April 2025, actually found that not eating enough vitamin can hurt memory, slow brain cell growth and increase inflammation in the brain. So eat your greens! Up Next: What Do We Know About Diet and Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease? National Institute on Aging. Mariana Dineen, RD, registered dietitian and founder of Elemento Health Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian based in Charleston, SC Connie Elick, MS, RD, registered dietitian and instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education's Los Angeles campus. Study links omega-3s to improved brain structure, cognition at midlife. UT Health SanAntonio. The impact of a walnut-rich breakfast on cognitive performance and brain activity throughout the day in healthy young adults: a crossover intervention trial. Food & Function. The effect of blueberry interventions on cognitive performance and mood: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. US Older Adults That Consume Avocado or Guacamole Have Better Cognition Than Non-consumers: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2014. Frontiers in Nutrition. Leafy greens linked with slower age-related cognitive decline. National Institute on Aging. Low Vitamin K Intake Impairs Cognition, Neurogenesis, and Elevates Neuroinflammation in C57BL/6 Mice. The Journal of Nutrition.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store