A new study by neuroscientists at MIT’s Picower Institute for Learning and Memory shows how the brain encodes information throughout the decision-making process to keep options clearly in mind and ensure that chosen and unchosen options are remembered.
A clinical trial has shows that high-frequency spinal cord stimulation can reduce pain and improve sensory function in people with treatment-resistant diabetic neuropathy.
Education, intellectually stimulating work and an active lifestyle help preserve cognitive abilities in adults over 65 and lead to more effective verbal expression and stronger cognitive performance. But there is another important factor: emotions. The way we recognize and interpret them can significantly influence the efficiency of cognitive processes as we age.
A new UCLA study has found a connection between how quickly the brain ages and the bacteria and chemical byproducts found in the gut, offering a clue to what drives brain aging long before symptoms appear.
Scientists have identified over 830,000 brain immune cells, including a protective subtype of microglia that increases during Alzheimer’s disease. These cells, influenced by the TREM2 pathway, assist in removing harmful substances from the brain, offering a new approach for therapies that aim to enhance the brain’s innate immune defences instead of just targeting amyloid plaques.
A recent study suggests that slow electrical rhythms traveling along individual nerve fibres may do more than reflect brain activity: They may help coordinate communication between key memory centres in the hippocampus.
New research from Carnegie Mellon University reveals that dendritic spines—the tiny structures that help brain cells communicate and form memories—don’t fit neatly into a few categories. Instead, they display a continuous range of shapes, offering new insight into learning, development and neurological disease.
People living with a severe form of asthma show subtle differences in the structure of their brains compared with people whose asthma is well controlled, according to new research presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress.
Researchers have discovered that sitting on Japanese Igusa mats, made from rush grass, enhance concentration and engagement in the brain while reducing tension and anxiety in users. With centuries of use in Japan, the research aims to validate its health benefits and highlight the value of this traditional material.
New research indicates that people with invasive cancer face an elevated risk of experiencing a stroke, especially in the first few months after diagnosis and if they have certain types of cancer. The findings are published in Cancer.
A recent study compared eye-tracking data from 368 adult readers with predictions from over 400 neural network models, revealing that large language models (LLMs) struggle to predict human cognitive challenges in contextualizing words, despite being accurate in word recognition speed.
Researchers have found a method to predict the onset of symptoms in individuals at high risk for Alzheimer’s, aiding physicians in determining the appropriate timing for preventive treatments.
A study of more than half a million adults has found that higher levels of exhaled carbon monoxide were associated with a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease. The findings, publishedin JAMA Neurology, uncover a possible new explanation for the consistently lower rates of Parkinson’s among smokers that have long puzzled scientists.
Researchers examined changes in brain activity during cognitive tasks before and after acute aerobic exercise in healthy young and older adults. The study is published in the Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
A new study indicates that the brain’s response to breathing is not uniform; instead, the unique characteristics of each breath correlate with neural activity related to cognition, emotion, and memory. This suggests that the brain monitors subtle variations in breathing, with changes in inhale and exhale timing and intensity reflected in distinct neural patterns, highlighting a more nuanced link between breathing and brain function than previously understood.
Early initiation of statins after diagnosis of type 2 diabetes was associated with a lower risk of dementia, according to a study presented at ESC Congress 2026 and published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe.
Immune cells that normally protect the body from damage by attacking foreign or infected cells are found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders at much higher levels than in healthy brains. The cells appear to contribute to neurodegeneration, but where they come from and how they are primed to accumulate in the brain was not known.
A new study has used a type of machine learning called a neural network to reveal how different kinds of training can change how learning happens—both in machines and in living brains.
The influence of the hormone progesterone on mood is well known. Now, researchers have shown how higher levels of progesterone during the menstrual cycle are linked to less distinct patterns of activity in areas of the brain involved in controlling emotions.
Regular aerobic exercise—the kind that gets your heart pumping—can improve important thinking skills called executive functions, and the benefits appear especially strong for women after menopause, according to Rutgers researchers.
Musicians don’t just learn movement sequences faster; they predict what’s coming next sooner, according to new research that also found newly formed motor memories can be disrupted by seeing different visual sequences shortly after learning. The work is publishedin the journal Psychological Research.
A study by the University of Eastern Finland found that quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is strongly associated with walking performance and functional capacity.
The neuroactive potential of bacteria living in the human gut is associated with levels of key chemicals in the brain, according to a new study publishedin Molecular Psychiatry. The research team found that microbial pathways involved in producing and breaking down neuroactive compounds were associated with levels of GABA and glutamate in specific regions of the human brain.
A study conducted at the University of Helsinki indicates that the total number of people with dementia will grow significantly in the coming years, and the number of those living at home may even more than double after 2018.
A new study reveals that migraine may leave a biological pattern throughout the body, traces of which can be identified by artificial intelligence. Researchers used AI to analyze information gathered from more than 43,000 participants during a countywide health survey.
Regions-of-interest representing delay discounting neural processes. Nucleus accumbens activation represents reward valuation (orange). Hippocampal activation is involved in imagining the future or prospection (yellow). The middle frontal gyrus is involved in cognitive control (red). Regions were defined from the Desikan-Killiany atlas. Credit: Alcohol, Clinical and Experimental Research (2026). DOI: 10.1111/acer.70300
Brain activity in young adults regarding reward valuation is connected to long-term drinking habits, as shown in a study of college students with family histories of alcohol use disorder (AUD). The research suggests the potential for precision medicine to create tailored interventions for those at risk of addiction, highlighting that a family history of AUD triples or quadruples the likelihood of alcohol-related issues.
A research team has developed technology that uses artificial intelligence to analyse electroencephalogram signals triggered by thermal stimuli and objectively classify pain intensity.
A recent study analysed 73 research articles on dietary patterns and their effect on cognitive performance in youth aged 8 to 19, highlighting that nutritional deficiencies in early life can lead to lower intelligence scores in adolescence, and indicating a need for more high-quality research on potential nutritional interventions during this period.
An 8-month-old infant with severe genetic epilepsy has become the first patient in the world to receive an experimental gene replacement therapy designed to restore the function of the WWOX gene directly in the brain.
Researchers employed machine learning to detect neurological warning signs in the brain’s electrical rhythms, enabling epilepsy diagnosis without capturing active seizures. An advanced algorithm identified EEG abnormalities associated with genetic epilepsy accurately.
A recent study has found a dynamic relationship between brief physical activity and improved mood, utilising data from over 8,000 global participants with wearable sensors.
A new AI platform has been developed to decode and measure human pain, surpassing reliance on subjective self-reporting. It employs a self-correcting algorithm to analyse EEG signals in response to thermal stimuli, mapping brainwave activity to produce an objective measure of physical suffering.
Researchers found postoperative delirium was strongly associated with long-term cognitive decline, and the effect was not explained by rehospitalisations, highlighting the long-term impact of delirium on brain health.
A new study reveals that menopause is a significant neurological phase rather than just a reproductive milestone, tracking brain activity during premenopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause. It finds that “resting-state” neural networks experience substantial changes linked to estrogen fluctuations, shedding light on the biological factors affecting midlife cognitive changes and long-term brain ageing in women.
The largest genome-wide association study on anxiety has identified the polygenic basis of worry and fear responses by analysing data from 693,869 individuals, shifting the focus from binary diagnoses to the spectrum of symptom severity.
Analysing 12 years of deidentified patient electronic records using AI, researchers discovered that glucosamine use among individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is associated with a 25% higher likelihood of progressing to full dementia, alongside a 25% spike in mortality for established Alzheimer’s patients.
Finally this week, a recent study has found that the relationship between a person’s progesterone and estradiol levels at a given moment, measured in saliva, could help predict participants’ performance in a learning and memory task.
The soft bioelectrodes use a honeycomb-inspired design that allows researchers to stretch them onto the specific geometry of a patient’s brain, without sacrificing structural strength or sensitivity to electrical and physiological signals. Credit: Tao Zhou
Researchers have developed 3D-printed, honeycomb-structured hydrogel electrodes that perfectly match the unique folds of a patient’s brain for safer, high-quality neural monitoring.
We’ve long known that a run can clear your head, but a landmark one-year randomised clinical trial has finally mapped the long-term biological “why.” The study is the first to prove a cause-and-effect relationship between aerobic exercise and a sustained reduction in cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. By simply meeting the standard 150-minute weekly exercise goal, participants effectively lowered the biological “background noise” of stress.
A global research collaboration has discovered that social health is crucial for preserving cognitive function and enhancing the brain’s resilience to dementia.
In a creative shift for psychiatric research, a study suggests that songwriting and group music-making can help people with psychosis reconnect with reality. The research explores the concept of predictive coding, the brain’s ability to anticipate what happens next. By engaging in the rhythmic and melodic expectations of music, participants with schizophrenia and auditory hallucinations reported reduced paranoia and a significant shift away from social isolation.
Repeated menstrual cycles may not only cause endometriosis but also alter brain function. A new study indicates that ongoing inflammation associated with the condition can heighten nervous system sensitivity and lead to persistent pain.
Researchers from the University of California, San Diego discovered that teenagers who start using cannabis experience slower improvements in thinking and memory as they mature, based on a study of over 11,000 participants from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study published in Neuropsychopharmacology.
A 12-week study from the University of Toronto finds that daily fluctuations in mental sharpness account for an 80-minute difference in productivity between your best and worst days.
Researchers have uncovered evidence that some movement-related symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease may originate outside the brain, which could change how the disease is diagnosed and treated in the future. The study was published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Women taking antiseizure medication for epilepsy have around a 45% reduced risk of major congenital anomalies in their children—if they initiate high-dose folic acid before pregnancy.
In a recent publication appearingin Advanced Science, researchers at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience challenge the assumptions surrounding the design and materials used for brain implants. Softer, flexible implants are gentler than older ones, but they are not completely harmless. By carefully studying these effects, researchers can begin to design safer implants, and bring long-term, reliable implants closer to reality.
New research indicates that walking and balance issues in Alzheimer’s disease may stem from peripheral nervous system failures rather than brain decay, with a study using “human-on-a-chip” technology demonstrating that genetic mutations can directly harm nerve-muscle connections, independent of the brain or spinal cord.
A Phase II trial finds that walking and resistance exercise, along with low-dose ibuprofen, can protect cancer patients from “chemo brain” during treatment.
Researchers have found new insights into asymptomatic Alzheimer’s disease (AsymAD), wherein some older adults remain mentally sharp despite brain changes associated with the disease. Understanding this resilience may lead to earlier detection and strategies to prevent memory loss.
A landmark study has identified a significant association between prenatal prescription of commonly utilized medications and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children.
Researchers found that fluctuations in a person’s heartbeat relate uniquely to brain activity, with chaos-based analysis indicating significant changes in heart-brain coupling during cognitive tasks. The study shows these complex rhythms are important indicators of the central nervous system when under cognitive load.
A longitudinal study of 1,400 children links early pretend play to improved mental health outcomes, suggesting play builds brain resilience. The research suggests that imaginative play is not just recreational but a foundational developmental tool that supports long-term mental wellbeing, even when accounting for socioeconomic status, mother’s mental health, and language ability.
In a paradigm-shifting discovery, researchers have found that Alzheimer’s disease shares a surprising biological driver with blood cancers like leukaemia. The study reveals that the brain’s immune cells (microglia) accumulate specific cancer-driving mutations as they age. Rather than forming tumours, these mutant cells create a “hostile” inflammatory environment that kills neurons. This suggests that Alzheimer’s may be treatable using existing cancer drugs and detectable through simple blood tests.
A noninvasive neurostimulation technique targeting deep brain regions has been utilised to explore pain mechanisms and shows potential for clinical use in neurology and psychiatry.
A web tool designed to spark reminiscence could help people with dementia and their caregivers feel more connected to each other and less impacted by feelings of pre-death grief, according to a clinical trial co-led by USC and Weill Cornell Medicine published in JAMA Network Open.
Researchers have identified a new DNA region and two genes associated with frailty, providing insights into why some older adults are more frail. This discovery highlights the role of genetic factors in resilience to age-related declines, aiming to lead to targeted interventions for the ageing population.
Neuroscientists have discovered a secret second network in the brain. AI-mapped astrocyte webs connect distant brain regions, challenging 100 years of neuron-centric theory.
A massive transdisciplinary study has shifted the focus of Alzheimer’s research from the brain to the gut. Using AI to analyse data from nearly 10,000 people, researchers identified that common life events, specifically appendix removal and long-term dietary patterns, are among the strongest predictors of the disease. The study suggests that the gut microbiome serves as a primary line of defence for the brain, and that its disruption over decades may ultimately trigger neurodegeneration.
Researchers propose a new model for how the brain encodes and recalls emotionally meaningful touch, highlighting its role in lifelong mental health.
New research shows that a diet high in heavily processed foods can negatively impact the brain’s ability to focus and increases the risk of developing dementia. The study publishedin Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring, examined the diets and cognitive health of more than 2,100 Australian dementia-free adults middle-aged and older.
A 30-year study of 42,000 adults shows that stroke severity is a primary driver of post-stroke dementia and accelerated brain aging.
Researchers have bridged the gap between biology and silicon by creating a 3D programmable device that merges living brain cells with advanced electronics. Unlike previous “brain-on-a-chip” attempts that grew cells on flat surfaces, this device uses a flexible, microscopic metal mesh as a scaffold, allowing tens of thousands of neurons to grow around and through the sensors.
HoliAtlas Project Brain Images. Credit: Instituto de Aplicaciones de las Tecnologías de la Información y de las Comunicaciones Avanzadas (ITACA), Universitat Politècnica de València
An international team has developed one of the most comprehensive and detailed structural atlases of the human brain to date. Known as HoliAtlas, it will be particularly useful for the study and early diagnosis of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.
Scientists have uncovered a strategy that the brain uses for chemical signalling. In a new study, researchers found that in the striatum, a brain region central to learning and movement, one signalling system can seize control of another, promoting the coordinated release of both.
A meta-analysis has confirmed that exposure to nature—real, virtual, or imagined—reduces negative emotions and boosts brain health.
A massive study of over 2.2 million individuals has fundamentally redefined how we understand the genetics of addiction. The research reveals that most genetic risk for substance use disorders (SUD) isn’t about how the body reacts to a specific drug, but how the brain is “wired” for behavioural disinhibition.
A meta-analysis found no link between hormonal contraception and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), a serious condition marked by increased pressure around the brain, potentially causing chronic headaches and vision loss.
A machine-learning analysis of brain waves recorded during sleep may help identify people at high risk of developing dementia, according to a recent study. The study found that when a person’s “brain age,” estimated from sleep signals using EEG, exceeded their actual age, the risk of dementia increased.
A major study has found that treating ADHD with stimulant medication during childhood may actually lower the long-term risk of developing serious psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia.
New research shows that the long-term neurological impact of childhood trauma is not permanently etched onto the brain. An analysis of brain communication patterns in individuals with childhood adversity indicates that lifetime physical activity can reshape neural connectivity, strengthening internal communication and optimizing stress response. The findings from the studyin Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging highlight physical activity as a modifiable lifestyle factor linked to neurobiological adaptation.
An international team has completed a massive “blueprint” of the human neocortex, the brain’s outer layer responsible for high-level thinking, decision-making, and sensory processing.
A clinical decision support tool that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze scans after a stroke alongside treatment recommendations is associated with better quality care and long-term outcomes for patients compared with usual care, finds a recent study publishedin The BMJ.
Can a stroke make part of your brain younger? New research using deep learning reveals that undamaged brain regions reorganise and show “youthful” structural patterns to compensate for severe stroke damage.
New research identifies a leaky blood-brain barrier as the primary link between repetitive head injuries and long-term cognitive decline in retired athletes. MRI scans compared with post-mortem tissue from athletes with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy reveal that this barrier remains compromised even years after retirement.
Scientists have identified a new genetic disease characterised by premature ageing and deficits in brain function.
Consciousness and its impairment from brain injuries are not well understood, making disorders of consciousness (DOC), like coma and vegetative states, challenging to treat. A new study published in Nature Neurosciencesuggests that AI may help researchers tackle this issue. The research team developed an adversarial AI framework to better understand states of reduced consciousness and explore potential solutions.
Finally this week, new research shows that periodontal tissue status, peripheral immune response, and cognitive functions are closely interconnected.
Researchers have identified a major genetic risk factor for a rare form of frontotemporal dementia. The discovery, published in Nature Genetics, provides a biological entry point for a disease subtype that has been difficult to study. It could not only help to improve diagnosis and patient stratification, but also opens up new avenues toward targeted treatments.
A new studysuggests that merely engaging in physical activity isn’t sufficient; the structure of workouts, including session spacing and organization, may be more crucial for healthy brain aging than the total activity amount.
MIT neuroscientists have discovered how the brain focuses on a single voice amid many, addressing the “cocktail party problem.” This focus is crucial in crowded settings like cocktail parties, where multiple conversations occur. The brain can follow the voice of the person you’re talking to despite background noise. Using a computational model of the auditory system, the MIT team found that enhancing neural processing units that respond to specific voice features, like pitch, helps bring that voice to the forefront of attention.
Higher maternal physical activity is associated with early child neurodevelopment, according to a recent study.
The stress hormone cortisol disrupts the brain’s navigational system by impairing the function of grid cells essential for spatial orientation. Researchers from Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, verified this in an imaging study with 40 individuals who completed a virtual navigation experiment in an MRI scanner. Subjects who received cortisol prior to the experiment performed worse, with indistinct grid cell activity patterns.
The recreational drugs cannabis, cocaine and amphetamines significantly increase the risk of stroke—including among younger users—Cambridge researchers have concluded after analysing data from more than 100 million people.
Scientists have identified a coordinated “gene expression program” that drives neurotransmission in the living human brain by integrating real-time intracranial recordings from neurosurgical patients with molecular profiling. This study reveals specific genes associated with active signalling, offering new insights into human cognition and psychiatric disorders.
A single session of physical exercise can spawn a boost of neural activity in brain networks that underlie learning and memory, according to a new study.
A team of Spanish researchers investigated whether individuals with high psychopathic traits exhibit brain structure anomalies that prevent feelings of regret and contribute to manipulation and antisocial behaviour by interviewing men convicted of intimate partner violence and a control group, followed by brain scans. The results showed that men with thinner cortex in certain brain regions—particularly fronto-temporo-parietal areas—tended to display higher antisocial tendencies, regardless of their history of violence.
Scientists have identified seven specific types of hyperarousal, creating a new roadmap for treating the underlying tension of mental disorders.
Researchers conducted a study on the link between responses to SSRIs and SNRIs and brain connections. Their findings, published in Molecular Psychiatry, suggest that a specific link between the frontal lobe, a region in the brain’s outer layer involved in decision-making, and the amygdala, which is central to the processing of emotions, differs in patients that respond better to SSRIs and those who find SNRIs more beneficial.
Alzheimer’s research has faced criticism for its lack of diversity, with a primary focus on participants of European ancestry. A groundbreaking study has revealed significant variations in Alzheimer’s pathology, specifically tau protein tangles and amyloid plaques, among different racial and ethnic groups. This suggests the disease’s biological timeline varies across populations, indicating a need to adjust current diagnostic tools and future treatments for broader effectiveness.
A new study offers a single explanation for two major symptoms of schizophrenia.
New research has found no evidence that the transitional symptoms of menopause such as brain fog and memory problems have a lasting impact on cognitive performance. The research, publishedin npj Women’s Health, found that while brain fog is a real symptom commonly experienced by peri- and postmenopausal women, there is no evidence that it has an ongoing impact on a person’s cognitive abilities.
The largest-ever Parkinson’s study shows how symptoms differ between men and women.
A recent study published in NeuroImage reveals that neuroticism is linked to altered communication between different brain networks rather than isolated brain activity. Researchers discovered that people with higher levels of this personality trait show increased connectivity between brain regions responsible for processing emotions, regulating memory, and detecting threats. These findings suggest that emotional instability arises from how the brain’s emotional hubs synchronize with other areas.
New research indicates that storytelling may be linked to the evolution of human memory and could enhance everyday retention.
Having type 1 diabetes is linked to a higher risk of dementia, according to a recent study published in Neurology. Type 2 diabetes also carries a higher risk compared to those without diabetes. However, this study shows an association and does not prove that diabetes causes dementia. Type 1 diabetes is rare, representing about 5% of diabetes cases.
Finally, new research shows that harmonically consonant musical chord progressions during face-to-face interactions enhance brain circuits linked to social connection and emotional processing.
For years, Alzheimer’s research has faced criticism for not being diverse, primarily focusing on participants of European ancestry. A groundbreaking study has challenged the “one-size-fits-all” approach. By examining brain markers across a diverse group, researchers found important differences in how early Alzheimer’s symptoms—such as tau protein tangles and amyloid plaques—manifest among racial and ethnic groups. These results indicate that the disease’s biological timeline varies across populations, suggesting that existing diagnostic tools and future treatments may need adjustments to be effective for everyone.
Scientists have found that a novel blood-based biomarker can predict a woman’s risk of developing dementia as many as 25 years before symptoms appear.
Blockbuster weight-loss drugs like semaglutide and liraglutide have significantly affected metabolic health, and a new study mapping GLP-1 expression in the brain reveals notable sex-specific differences. This research explains why females may experience greater appetite suppression and weight loss with these medications, and it suggests the potential for developing sex-specific treatments for addiction, depression, and Alzheimer’s.
Can you tell the difference between a real human voice and an AI-generated one? According to a new study, your conscious mind might struggle, but your brain is already picking up the clues.
Researchers have identified new genetic variants associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through long-read whole genome sequencing (LR-WGS), which enhances the detection of genetic variants compared to short-read methods. These insights could result in more precise genetic testing and targeted therapies for ASD.
Increasing our level of physical fitness leads to a greater release of brain-boosting proteins following a single exercise session, a new studyhas found.
A new study has found a neural “fingerprint” that predicts our ability to understand others’ intentions, identifying a brain network that responds when our expectations of others are incorrect. This could significantly change the diagnosis and treatment of social cognition disorders such as autism and borderline personality disorder.
Scientists have successfully preserved brain tissue by deep-freezing it. When thawed, the neurons start sending signals again. This method can be used to preserve brain tissue removed during surgery for later study.
The VIVID Trial, a large study on Vitamin D, found that high doses of Vitamin D3 did not reduce the severity of COVID-19 or prevent hospitalisation, but suggested potential benefits for preventing Long COVID. Participants adhering to the Vitamin D regimen reported fewer ongoing symptoms after eight weeks, indicating that while Vitamin D isn’t a cure for COVID-19, it may aid long-term recovery.
A retinal image could help doctors quickly distinguish between similar neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and Alzheimer’s disease, and with remarkable accuracy, according to new research.
A new study shows that immune cells called microglia can actively promote the formation of plaques in Alzheimer’s disease, challenging the long-standing view that these cells serve only as defenders against plaque buildup. The findings were recently publishedin the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Smoking cannabis can reshape memories. A new study found that those who consumed THC were more likely to recall nonexistent words and struggled with tasks like remembering to do something later.
Fatigue is a significant and challenging symptom of major depressive disorder. Recent research shows that cells in depressed individuals overwork at rest but struggle to produce energy under stress. This indicates that mitochondria are pushed to their limits early in the illness, contributing to low mood and cognitive slowness.
A new review explains that ketogenic diets help reduce seizures in epilepsy by strengthening the brain’s energy systems, reducing inflammation, and protecting neurons, offering benefits that many medications do not provide.
In former college athletes, having had three or more concussions was associated with slightly worse physical, mental, behavioural, and cognitive health five years after graduation, according to an article published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
New research suggests that exercise may help people with cancer stay mentally sharp and better able to handle daily tasks, work, and social activities through chemotherapy treatment delivered on an every two-week cycle.
On World Brain Day, take a moment to reflect on how you’re caring for your brain. Small, consistent choices today lay the foundation for lifelong neurological well-being.
Here are six evidence-backed ways to boost your brainpower and support long-term neurological health.
1. Move Your Body, Support Your Brain
Regular aerobic exercise has been shown to increase the volume of the hippocampus. In a landmark study published in PNAS (Erickson et al., 2011), older adults who engaged in moderate aerobic activity three times a week showed a 2% increase in hippocampal volume over one year. In contrast, a control group performing only stretching exercises experienced 1.4% hippocampal shrinkage, a common pattern with age. Notably, the exercise group also demonstrated improvements in spatial memory, directly correlating with brain growth.
Practical Recommendations
Aim for at least 3 sessions per week of moderate aerobic activity (e.g., brisk walking, cycling, swimming).
Sessions of 30–60 minutes appear most effective for cognitive benefits.
Long-term, regular exercise yields the greatest hippocampal and cognitive gains.
2. Prioritise Restorative Sleep
Restorative sleep is increasingly recognised as a core pillar of brain health—not just a luxury, but a biological necessity. It supports memory consolidation, mood regulation, and the brain’s glymphatic system, which clears neurotoxic waste, including beta-amyloid. Poor sleep has been linked to increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, making sleep a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline. A regular, high-quality sleep routine is as essential as exercise and nutrition in maintaining long-term neurological function.
Practical Recommendations
Maintain a regular sleep-wake cycle, even on weekends.
Aim for 7–9 hours per night for adults, as recommended by sleep experts.
Seek treatment for sleep disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea, which can impair brain function over time.
3. Keep Learning and Challenging Yourself
The brain thrives on novelty and complexity. Lifelong mental stimulation helps preserve cognitive flexibility and may delay or prevent the onset of dementia. Longitudinal studies, such as the Nun Study, show that individuals who engage in continuous intellectual activities throughout life enjoy better cognitive outcomes in older age. These activities promote cognitive reserve—the brain’s ability to adapt and find new pathways even in the presence of damage.
Practical Recommendations
Prioritise activities that are mentally challenging and unfamiliar, such as learning a new language, musical instrument, or strategic game (e.g., chess).
Combine learning with social interaction (e.g., group classes, book clubs), which has additional cognitive and emotional benefits.
Consistency matters; regular, incremental learning is more beneficial than sporadic activity.
4. Nourish Your Brain
What we eat profoundly shapes brain health. Diets rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and low-glycaemic foods combat oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, both of which are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. The MIND diet—an evidence-based hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH diets—has been shown to reduce Alzheimer’s risk by up to 53% in those who follow it closely. Even moderate adherence is linked to slower cognitive decline.
Practical Recommendations
Increase consumption of berries, leafy green vegetables, nuts, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, and olive oil.
Consider adopting dietary patterns consistent with the MIND, Mediterranean, or DASH diets for long-term brain support.
Combine nutritional improvements with other lifestyle strategies—synergy matters in neuroprotection.
5. Manage Stress Proactively
Prolonged stress harms both the structure and function of the brain. Elevated cortisol levels can impair memory, shrink the hippocampus, and interfere with emotional regulation. However, stress is not an inevitable decline—it can be managed. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has been shown to increase grey matter density in regions linked to learning and emotional processing (Hölzel et al., 2011), offering a tangible tool for resilience.
Practical Recommendations
Just 10 minutes of focused breathing or mindfulness meditation can lower cortisol levels and calm the nervous system. Apps like Headspace or Calm offer easy guided sessions.
Physical activity, such as a brisk 10-minute walk, boosts mood-regulating endorphins and helps reduce stress hormones.
Create clear boundaries around screen time and work, especially in the evenings, to give your brain space to decompress and recover.
6. Stay Connected
Human connection isn’t just emotionally fulfilling—it’s biologically protective. Social interaction activates brain regions involved in memory, empathy, and executive function, while loneliness has been identified as a significant risk factor for cognitive decline. Research by Cacioppo and Hawkley (2009) found that frequent social engagement is associated with slower memory loss and better overall cognitive performance in older adults.
Practical Recommendations
Make time for meaningful conversations and shared experiences—these stimulate the brain more than passive interactions.
Join community activities, clubs, or volunteer groups to build social networks, particularly after major life transitions.
Prioritise quality over quantity—even a few close, supportive relationships offer substantial brain benefits.
Protecting Brain Health Is a Lifelong Investment
Your brain shapes how you move through the world—how you think, feel, connect, and remember. While some risk factors for neurological disease are beyond our control, many protective habits are not. As this evidence shows, brain health is something we can influence every day, through simple, sustainable choices that build resilience over time.
References
Erickson, K. I., et al. (2011). Exercise training increases size of hippocampus and improves memory. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(7), 3017-3022.
Ju, Y.-E. S., et al. (2013). Sleep quality and preclinical Alzheimer disease. JAMA Neurol., 70(5), 587-593.
Morris, M. C., et al. (2015). MIND diet associated with reduced incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 11(9), 1007-1014.
Holzel, B. K., et al. (2011). Mindfulness practice leads to increases in regional brain gray matter density. Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, 191(1), 36-43.
Cacioppo, J. T., & Hawkley, L. C. (2009). Perceived social isolation and cognition. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 13(10), 447-454.
Coloured regions show where brain volume was associated with deviant lifestyle and antisocial behavior in individuals with psychopathic traits. Credit: European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience (2025).
A recent study has shed light on the brain structure differences associated with psychopathy—a condition known to be one of the strongest predictors of persistent violent behaviour. The findings arepublishedin the journal European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience.
Researchers are using a new approach to brain imaging that could improve how drugs are prescribed to treat Parkinson’s disease.
An analysis of over 375 trials shows that structured exercise significantly reduces depression and anxiety in children and teens. Low-intensity resistance activities like light weights were most effective for easing anxiety, while moderate mixed-mode programmes worked best for depression, especially when lasting under 12 weeks.
A new technology that uses clinical MRI machines to image metabolic activity in the brain could give researchers and clinicians unique insight into brain function and disease.
Diets rich in phosphate additives, commonly found in processed foods, can increase blood pressure by triggering a brain signaling pathway and overactivating the sympathetic nervous system that regulates cardiovascular function, UT Southwestern researchers discovered. Their findings could lead to treatment strategies for patients with hypertension caused by overconsumption of foods containing high levels of phosphates.
New research proposes a unified theory of brain function based on criticality—a state where the brain teeters between order and chaos, allowing it to learn, adapt, and process information optimally. When the brain strays from this delicate balance, cognitive performance weakens, and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s may begin to take hold.
A drug used for Parkinson’s disease has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of difficult to treat depression, according to a study led by the University of Oxford.
A recent study shows that older adults may compensate for age-related cognitive decline by enhancing activity in a specific brain region linked to attention—the locus coeruleus (LC). In a brain imaging study, older participants showed stronger LC responses when interpreting ambiguous facial expressions, compared to younger adults.
Individuals with versus those without tinnitus have significantly lower scores on cognitive function tests, according to a recent study published in Frontiers in Neurology.
New research shows how the brain navigates emotional transitions, using music as a tool to map changing neural patterns. Scientists found that emotional responses in the brain depend heavily on the listener’s prior emotional state.
A clinical trial has revealed that Ambroxol, a common cough medicine in Europe, may help slow cognitive decline in people with Parkinson’s disease dementia.
In a study of 200 former professional rugby players (aged 30–61 years old), researchers from Imperial College London, University College London and the UK Dementia Research Institute found no cases of early-onset dementia.
Finally this week, new research findings show how synaptic connections in the cerebral cortex can strengthen during sleep, offering insight into how the brain continues learning even while we rest.
Researchers have achieved a significant milestone in the treatment of depression, demonstrating the effectiveness of personalized transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy offering a new treatment option for people who have had little success with other therapies.
New research finds that patients with insomnia often retain accurate sleep-wake perception and intact regulatory systems, despite feeling as though they sleep poorly. Using serial awakenings during sleep lab monitoring, researchers found no significant difference in sleep perception between healthy individuals and those with insomnia.
Emerging research indicates that psychedelics such as psilocybin don’t just change brain activity; they also modify the communication network between the brain and the immune system. Scientists have pinpointed a mechanism where persistent stress interferes with signals from the amygdala, setting off immune reactions that amplify feelings of fear and anxiety.
A large study suggests that following the MIND diet—rich in leafy greens, berries, nuts, and olive oil—significantly reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
By pinpointing hospitalized patients at high risk for delirium, an artificial intelligence (AI) model has quadrupled the rate at which the condition is both detected and treated. The model’s alerts prompt a dedicated team to assess these patients and implement a treatment plan if needed, leading to significantly better outcomes.
Areas of the brain that help a person differentiate between what is real and what is imaginary have been uncovered in a recent study.
A new predictive model combining genetics with developmental milestones may help forecast which autistic children are at risk of developing intellectual disabilities. In a large study of over 5,600 children, researchers were able to correctly predict 10% of such cases and differentiate between low and high-risk groups twice as well as current methods.
New research finds that elevated cortisol levels in midlife are linked to increased brain amyloid deposition—a key marker of Alzheimer’s disease—specifically in post-menopausal women.
Scientists explored the associations between telomere length—which decreases as a person ages or is exposed to unhealthy environments—and the risk for age-related brain diseases and found evidence suggesting that healthier lifestyle choices could mitigate telomere length-associated risks.
Finally this week, greater symptoms of depression are linked to less microbial diversity in the mouth, according to a recent study.
inside-the-brain.com 