Latest news with #brainhealth
Forbes
3 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
Being Curious Might Help Keep Alzheimer's Disease At Bay: Study
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: A chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) family enjoys Christmas treats of flavoured pine ... More cones and frozen fruit at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, 23 December 2004. The Christmas gifts form part of Taronga's on-going behavioural enrichment programme, aimed at stimulating the animals' natural curiousity. AFP PHOTO/Torsten BLACKWOOD (Photo credit should read TORSTEN BLACKWOOD/AFP via Getty Images) The secret to maintaining your brain health and staying sharp as you age might just be cultivating your sense of curiosity, a recent study found. Being curious during old age could also help in preventing or at least off-setting Alzheimer's disease. 'Curiosity is broadly defined as a desire to learn, experience, or explore new information or environments. It is a motivating influence that drives us to participate in hobbies, pursue education, and travel to experience new things,' the authors wrote in the study. 'Trait curiosity, defined as people's stable tendency to actively seek knowledge and information, has been correlated with a variety of positive traits in everyday settings. For example, in educational settings, curiosity is related to rates of student question-asking and academic performance. Additionally, medical students with higher levels of curiosity report having deeper motives for studying and engaging in deeper study strategies when learning new information,' the authors added. Psychologists measure curiosity as a state, where feeling curious is just a momentary or fleeting experience and as a trait, where it is a feature of an individual's personality and way of life. During old age, curiosity is the main factor that motivates people to engage in formal learning such as taking classes for learning a new skill. And such stimulating activities help in maintaining the brain's cognitive abilities. In a press release, senior author of the study, Alan Castel, a psychologist at UCLA said: 'You see this in the context of lifelong learning: A lot of older adults will go back to take classes or pick up hobbies or engage in bird watching. I think it shows that this level of curiosity if maintained, can really keep us sharp as we age.' To further investigate how the two forms of curiosity work in adults, the researchers collected data from 1,218 participants between the ages of 20 and 84. They completed an online questionnaire that measured their levels of curiosity. Some of the questions they answered included: 'What is added to white sugar to make brown sugar? (answer: molasses) and what is the name of the biggest constellation in the sky? (answer: hydra)." The researchers then rated each participant's curiosity level on a scale of one to 10. 'Age does not have a uniform influence on curiosity; rather, we need to consider the multifaceted nature of this construct when discussing aging effects,' they noted. 'Curiosity subsumes different levels of psychological processes (e.g., emotional processes, reinforcement, learning, attention, appraisal, etc.), each of which would be impacted differently by age.' Prior research has found that younger adults tend to be more curious about learning new topics while older adults feel more motivated to continue expanding their existing knowledge. 'It is important to consider some of the ways that older adults may maintain curiosity other than via trait curiosity measures. Specifically, older adults may be selectively curious about things that have greater self-relevance or that are relevant to their prior knowledge, which may benefit them in specific contexts. For example, if an older adult is curious about gardening, they may be more likely to read gardening magazines, join a gardening group, or to learn a new gardening skill,' the researchers highlighted in their study published in the journal PLoS One in May 2025. 'Engaging with any of these activities can be beneficial for overall well-being and cognitive outcomes in older age, for example by fostering social connections and learning complex new skills. Thus, it may be important to recognize and encourage specific domains of curiosity for older adults, rather than simply focusing on measures of trait curiosity,' they added.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
Humansa and i-Cognitio Sciences Unveil the World's First AI-Powered Retinal Imaging for Alzheimer's Risk Detection
Revolutionizing Brain Health with CUHK Spin-off's Cutting-Edge Technology to Enable Early Detection and Prevention HONG KONG SAR- Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2025 - Humansa, Asia's leading health and longevity center, is proud to announce the launch of its ground-breaking BrainSpark Program, a brain health program in collaboration with i-Cognitio Sciences, a spin-off company from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) founded by Prof. Vincent Mok. This revolutionary program incorporates the world's first artificial intelligence (AI) model capable of detecting risk of Alzheimer's disease using fundus photographs alone, offering a non-invasive and accessible solution to address the growing global challenge of cognitive decline and dementia. The Humansa BrainSpark Program is a timely response to the alarming statistics in developed Asia-Pacific regions, where the mean life expectancy has reached 85 years. Yet, 1 in 3 individuals aged 85 or above may suffer from dementia, a devastating disease that robs individuals of their independence and quality of life. Research shows that 45% of dementia cases can be prevented or delayed by optimizing modifiable risk factors, making early detection and personalized interventions critical. A Revolutionary Approach to Brain Health The Humansa BrainSpark Program embodies a proactive approach to brain health by offering: Comprehensive Brain Health Assessment: Powered by state-of-the-art AI retinal imaging technology (i-Cog Brain Health) led and developed by Prof. Vincent Mok's team, the program evaluates brain health and identifies early signals of Alzheimer's disease. The AI model, developed and validated using nearly 13,000 fundus photographs from 648 Alzheimer's patients and 3,240 cognitively normal subjects, demonstrated accuracies ranging from 80% to 92% among various datasets of multi-ethnicities and multi-countries. The study was led by CUHK in collaboration with Universities in Singapore (National University of Singapore, Duke-National University, Nanyang Technological University), China (Tsinghua University), US (Mayo Clinic) and UK (Queen's University Belfast). The findings were published in the prestigious Lancet Digital Health journal in 2022. Tailor-Made Lifestyle Solutions: The Humansa BrainSpark Program offers tailor-made solutions that go beyond standard care, focusing on early detection and prevention of major chronic diseases, including Alzheimer's and dementia. By combining advanced AI technology with personalized care, Humansa provides lifestyle interventions, medical support, and preventive strategies tailored to each individual's unique risk profile. Additionally, Humansa's signature membership program offers a holistic anti-aging solution. This comprehensive package includes personalized recommendations on supplements, the frequency of restorative therapies, and other longevity strategies, empowering individuals to take proactive steps toward better brain health and overall well-being. Professor Vincent Mok, Founding Director of i-Cognitio Sciences and Mok Hing Yiu Professor of Medicine of CUHK explains, "The retina is an extension of the brain, and through non-invasive fundus photography, we can detect changes in the blood vessels and nerves of the retina that are associated with Alzheimer's disease. These changes can appear 10–15 years before symptoms develop, giving us a critical window for early intervention. This AI model can identify early microvascular changes associated with Alzheimer's disease that may not be detected even by conventional MRI, making it a powerful tool for identifying high-risk cases in both clinical and community settings." Regarding the Humansa BrainSpark Program, Professor Mok adds, "This program is an innovative initiative that combines cutting-edge AI technology with personalized care approach. It encourages individuals to take proactive steps to protect their brain health, enabling early preventive treatments and lifestyle changes that can slow cognitive decline and preserve quality of life." Aligning with Humansa's Methodology to Longevity The newly launched Humansa BrainSpark Program is a cornerstone of Humansa's methodology to longevity and its signature Future Health Program, which emphasizes prevention, early detection, and personalized care. Cognitive function is a critical pillar of Humansa's longevity strategy, as maintaining brain health is essential for living a long, independent, and fulfilling life. Don So, CEO of Humansa, shares, "At Humansa, we believe that aging is not a passive process—it's a skill, a choice, and a science. Cognitive function is at the heart of our longevity strategy because it directly impacts an individual's ability to live independently and enjoy life to the fullest. The symptoms may show up decades later, but the seeds are often planted much earlier. The silent inflammation, the unchecked insulin resistance, and the daily choices—small and seemingly insignificant—that quietly shape your destiny. The Brain Health Program is a testament to our commitment to empowering individuals to live longer, healthier lives by providing them with the tools and knowledge to protect their brain health." A Call to Action The Humansa BrainSpark Program combines cutting-edge technology with personalized care, offering individuals a proactive way to protect their brain health and live longer, healthier lives. For more information or to schedule an assessment, please visit Hashtag: #Humansa The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Humansa Founded in 2020, Humansa is a pioneering health and wellness brand dedicated to empowering individuals to extend their healthspan and live life to the fullest. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Humansa operates over 40 centers and partners with a trusted network across the world. By integrating cutting-edge science with personalized care, Humansa is redefining the future of health and longevity. Our offerings span proactive health assessments, evidence-based treatments, and continuous health optimization, setting a new standard in preventive and precision health. Explore more at: About i-Cognitio Sciences i-Cognitio Sciences is a spin-off medical technology company from CUHK, specializing in AI-driven ocular imaging technologies for brain health evaluation. Humansa Health
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
Humansa and i-Cognitio Sciences Unveil the World's First AI-Powered Retinal Imaging for Alzheimer's Risk Detection
Revolutionizing Brain Health with CUHK Spin-off's Cutting-Edge Technology to Enable Early Detection and Prevention The Humansa management team and guests posed for a photo at the Humansa BrainSpark Brain Health Program event. (From left to right: Dr. Sanja Tomovska, member of the Humansa International Advisory Committee; Ms. Elaine Jiang, Founding Partner of Humansa; Professor Mok Chung Tong, Mok Hing Yiu Professor of Medicine of CUHK; Mr. Vincent Wong, Chief Commercial & Applied AI Officer of Humansa; Ms. Charmaine So, Wellness Coach at Humansa; Mr. Don So, CEO of Humansa.) HONG KONG SAR- Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2025 - Humansa, Asia's leading health and longevity center, is proud to announce the launch of its ground-breaking BrainSpark Program, a brain health program in collaboration with i-Cognitio Sciences, a spin-off company from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) founded by Prof. Vincent Mok. This revolutionary program incorporates the world's first artificial intelligence (AI) model capable of detecting risk of Alzheimer's disease using fundus photographs alone, offering a non-invasive and accessible solution to address the growing global challenge of cognitive decline and Humansa BrainSpark Program is a timely response to the alarming statistics in developed Asia-Pacific regions, where the mean life expectancy has reached 85 years. Yet, 1 in 3 individuals aged 85 or above may suffer from dementia, a devastating disease that robs individuals of their independence and quality of life. Research shows that 45% of dementia cases can be prevented or delayed by optimizing modifiable risk factors, making early detection and personalized interventions Humansa BrainSpark Program embodies a proactive approach to brain health by offering:: Powered by state-of-the-art AI retinal imaging technology (i-Cog Brain Health) led and developed by Prof. Vincent Mok's team, the program evaluates brain health and identifies early signals of Alzheimer's disease. The AI model, developed and validated using nearly 13,000 fundus photographs from 648 Alzheimer's patients and 3,240 cognitively normal subjects, demonstrated accuracies ranging from 80% to 92% among various datasets of multi-ethnicities and multi-countries. The study was led by CUHK in collaboration with Universities in Singapore (National University of Singapore, Duke-National University, Nanyang Technological University), China (Tsinghua University), US (Mayo Clinic) and UK (Queen's University Belfast). The findings were published in the prestigious Lancet Digital Health journal in Program offers tailor-made solutions that go beyond standard care, focusing on early detection and prevention of major chronic diseases, including Alzheimer's and dementia. By combining advanced AI technology with personalized care, Humansa provides lifestyle interventions, medical support, and preventive strategies tailored to each individual's unique risk profile. Additionally, Humansa's signature membership program offers a holistic anti-aging solution. This comprehensive package includes personalized recommendations on supplements, the frequency of restorative therapies, and other longevity strategies, empowering individuals to take proactive steps toward better brain health and overall Vincent Mok, Founding Director of i-Cognitio Sciences and Mok Hing Yiu Professor of Medicine of CUHK explains, "The retina is an extension of the brain, and through non-invasive fundus photography, we can detect changes in the blood vessels and nerves of the retina that are associated with Alzheimer's disease. These changes can appear 10–15 years before symptoms develop, giving us a critical window for early intervention. This AI model can identify early microvascular changes associated with Alzheimer's disease that may not be detected even by conventional MRI, making it a powerful tool for identifying high-risk cases in both clinical and community settings."Regarding the Humansa BrainSpark Program, Professor Mok adds, "This program is an innovative initiative that combines cutting-edge AI technology with personalized care approach. It encourages individuals to take proactive steps to protect their brain health, enabling early preventive treatments and lifestyle changes that can slow cognitive decline and preserve quality of life."The newly launched Humansa BrainSpark Program is a cornerstone of Humansa's methodology to longevity and its signature Future Health Program, which emphasizes prevention, early detection, and personalized care. Cognitive function is a critical pillar of Humansa's longevity strategy, as maintaining brain health is essential for living a long, independent, and fulfilling So, CEO of Humansa, shares, "At Humansa, we believe that aging is not a passive process—it's a skill, a choice, and a science. Cognitive function is at the heart of our longevity strategy because it directly impacts an individual's ability to live independently and enjoy life to the fullest. The symptoms may show up decades later, but the seeds are often planted much earlier. The silent inflammation, the unchecked insulin resistance, and the daily choices—small and seemingly insignificant—that quietly shape your destiny. The Brain Health Program is a testament to our commitment to empowering individuals to live longer, healthier lives by providing them with the tools and knowledge to protect their brain health."The Humansa BrainSpark Program combines cutting-edge technology with personalized care, offering individuals a proactive way to protect their brain health and live longer, healthier more information or to schedule an assessment, please visit Hashtag: #Humansa The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Humansa Founded in 2020, Humansa is a pioneering health and wellness brand dedicated to empowering individuals to extend their healthspan and live life to the fullest. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Humansa operates over 40 centers and partners with a trusted network across the world. By integrating cutting-edge science with personalized care, Humansa is redefining the future of health and longevity. Our offerings span proactive health assessments, evidence-based treatments, and continuous health optimization, setting a new standard in preventive and precision health. Explore more at: About i-Cognitio Sciences i-Cognitio Sciences is a spin-off medical technology company from CUHK, specializing in AI-driven ocular imaging technologies for brain health evaluation.
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Health
- Associated Press
New Research Links Microplastics to Brain Health — Echo's Whole Home Filter Provides Protection
SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 28, 2025-- As alarming new research reveals microplastics accumulating in the human brain—especially in individuals with dementia— Echo is offering a practical solution that starts at the tap: advanced filtration technology designed to reduce harmful contaminants, including microplastics. A recent study in Nature Medicine (2025) found significant levels of microplastics in the brain tissue of 52 deceased individuals. On average, each brain contained approximately 7 grams of plastic—roughly the weight of a plastic spoon. Individuals with dementia had up to three times more microplastics than those without cognitive decline. Most concerning, the study shows microplastic levels in brain tissue have increased by 50% since 2016, raising urgent questions about long-term effects on brain health and cognitive function. 'Microplastics are no longer just an environmental concern—they're showing up in our bodies, likely contributing to inflammation, oxidative stress, and possibly even neurological damage,' said Dr. Tyler W. LeBaron, MSc., Ph.D., founder and executive director of the Molecular Hydrogen Institute. 'While we can't control all environmental factors, improving water quality is one of the most immediate and effective steps we can take. Thanks to advances in filtration technology, we now can reduce exposure to these invisible contaminants and protect our health for the long term.' Given the growing body of evidence surrounding microplastic exposure, Echo has developed solutions that go beyond just drinking water—protecting your entire household from these harmful contaminants. Echo Pure™ Whole Home Water Filter The Echo Pure Whole Home Water Filter is a state-of-the-art, five-stage filtration system designed to deliver clean, contaminant-free water to every faucet, showerhead, and appliance in your home. This advanced system combines KDF-55 and KDF-85 with catalytic carbon to remove a wide range of contaminants, including microplastics, chlorine, chloramine, bacteria, viruses, PFAS, lead, and fluoride. Its innovative reticulated foam design ensures consistent contact with the filtration media, preventing channeling and maintaining optimal purification. Built with a durable fiberglass tank, the Echo Pure™ system is engineered for long-term performance, capable of filtering up to 1 million gallons of water, and backed by a 10-year warranty—offering families peace of mind with every drop. 'Many people focus on the water they drink, but they often overlook the water they bathe in, the steam they breathe, and what their skin absorbs every day,' said Josh Carr, CEO of Echo. 'That's why whole-home filtration is so important—it's about protecting your health on all fronts. What's more, emerging research shows that hydrogen—already known for its health benefits—may also help the body to break down microplastics. It's exciting to see hydrogen technology contributing to solving one of the world's most pressing environmental issues.' Echo is dedicated to providing clean, hydrogen-enriched water that promotes whole-body health. With over a decade of innovation and a focus on science-backed wellness, Echo is leading the way in functional water technology. To learn more about Echo's Whole Home Water Filter and the science behind cleaner, healthier water, visit About Echo Echo is a pioneer in hydrogen health, dedicated to helping people unlock and sustain peak performance by transforming water into a clean source of cellular support. From advanced home water systems to portable wellness solutions, Echo works with the body to promote internal balance, resilience, and consistent energy. Backed by peer-reviewed science, trusted by health experts, and engineered for everyday living, Echo makes hydrogen health accessible, effective, and transformative. For more information, visit View source version on CONTACT: Media Contact: Alex Koritz KORITZ Communications 801-450-8005 [email protected] KEYWORD: UTAH UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ENVIRONMENT CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY CHEMICALS/PLASTICS HVAC UTILITIES MANUFACTURING BUILDING SYSTEMS GREEN TECHNOLOGY ENERGY SOURCE: Echo Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 05/28/2025 11:51 AM/DISC: 05/28/2025 11:51 AM
National Post
5 days ago
- Business
- National Post
MindMed to Participate in June Investor Conferences
Article content NEW YORK — Mind Medicine (MindMed) Inc. (NASDAQ: MNMD) (the 'Company' or 'MindMed'), a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company developing novel product candidates to treat brain health disorders, today announced that members of the Company's management team will participate in the following investor conferences: Article content Article content Audio webcasts and replays of available presentations will be accessible on MindMed's Investor Relations website for up to 90 days following each event. Article content MindMed is a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company developing novel product candidates to treat brain health disorders. Our mission is to be the global leader in the development and delivery of treatments that unlock new opportunities to improve patient outcomes. We are developing a pipeline of innovative product candidates, with and without acute perceptual effects, targeting neurotransmitter pathways that play key roles in brain health. MindMed trades on NASDAQ under the symbol MNMD. Article content Article content Article content Article content
