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Dec 20, 2023 | 
healthgrades.com | Jessica Norris
The workings of the brain are complex, and research about brain activity is ongoing. One area of interest is neuron activity during daydreaming and the potential benefits that daydreaming may hold. A recent study examined daydreaming in mice by exposing them to images and found similar neural activity between times of daydreaming and looking at the actual images later in the day after more exposure.
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Nov 7, 2023 | 
healthgrades.com | Jessica Norris
Chronological age measures the time that has passed since someone’s birth. Biological age estimates how old someone’s body is by examining several biomarkers. Data from a recent study found that high biological age may raise the risk for certain neurological conditions, including all-cause dementia and ischemic stroke. Biological age helps to measure how fast someone’s body systems are aging. Biological age may differ from someone’s chronological age.
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Nov 1, 2023 | 
healthgrades.com | Jessica Norris
Previous speculation suggests that eating red meat leads to higher levels of inflammation and thus contributes to increased risk for cardiovascular disease. A recent study’s evidence, however, indicates that red meat consumption is not associated with inflammation, and instead, this link has more to do with body mass index. Further research is required to understand the potential negative and positive effects of consuming red meat.
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Oct 7, 2023 | 
healthgrades.com | Jessica Norris
Coffee is a popular beverage in many parts of the world. The drink may offer certain health benefits, and research in this area is ongoing. A review of three studies found that consuming unsweetened coffee was associated with some weight loss. However, this effect was mitigated when participants added sugar to coffee. People can seek professional guidance about how coffee consumption fits into their diet, including potential benefits and risks.
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Oct 2, 2023 | 
healthgrades.com | Jessica Norris
A recent study found that non-exercise physical activity was associated with a lower risk for major adverse cardiovascular events. Short bursts of physical activity among non-exercisers were also linked to a reduced risk of all-cause mortality. While extended periods of physical activity are important, short bursts throughout the day are often easier to incorporate into everyday life.
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Sep 22, 2023 | 
healthgrades.com | Jessica Norris
Research is ongoing about how diet plays a role in mental well-being and the development of certain mental health conditions. A recent study found that consuming ultra-processed foods, and in particular artificial sweeteners, may increase the risk of depression. Experts recommend steps to improve one’s diet and reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods to decrease this risk. Depression is a common mental health condition that can be debilitating.
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Sep 14, 2023 | 
healthgrades.com | Jessica Norris
Blood pressure is an essential measurement of health. People need to keep their blood pressure in a healthy range to reduce the risk of poor health outcomes, such as heart attack and stroke. A recent study found that people with normal blood pressure while sitting but high blood pressure while lying down are still at risk for poor health outcomes, such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, and fatal coronary heart disease.
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Sep 12, 2023 | 
healthgrades.com | Jessica Norris
Some people swap out regular sweetened beverages for diet versions, but their long-term effects on health are unclear. A recent study found that diet and regular soft drinks increased salivary insulin levels. The results indicate the potential harm of too much consumption of diet and regular soft drinks. However, further research is needed in this area. What people eat and drink affects many areas of life.
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Sep 2, 2023 | 
healthgrades.com | Jessica Norris
Alzheimer’s disease affects thinking and brain function. It can lead to significant declines in independence and quality of life. Researchers are still seeking how to best detect Alzheimer’s disease. A recent study found that measuring specific brainwave patterns and their relationship during sleep may help early detect Alzheimer’s disease, even before symptoms are present. Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that still has many components we don’t understand.
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Aug 23, 2023 | 
healthgrades.com | Jessica Norris
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an abnormal heart rhythm that can harm cardiovascular health. Study findings presented at the ESC Congress 2023 found that higher levels of physical fitness were associated with decreased risk for atrial fibrillation, stroke, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Further research could replicate these findings and look into specific physical fitness parameters that may be the most useful. Heart health is critical for the body’s well-being.
