Memory

Ask the Experts: Atypical Femur Fracture; Unsteady Walking and Alzheimer’s; Blood Pressure Differences

Jan 20, 2022 · UHN Staff · Bones & Joints

I recently started taking osteoporosis drugs, but I’ve read that they can cause fractures of the femur. Can you explain why this is, given that the drugs are supposed to strengthen bones? Studies have pointed to an association between bisphosphonates and atypical fractures of the femur (thighbone). It isn’t clear … Read More

Frontline: Exercise to limit anxiety; Lower stroke risk; Dementia-associated agitation

Dec 21, 2021 · Dawn Bialy · Bones & Joints

Reduce Anxiety Symptoms with Regular Exercise Anxiety disorders are commonly treated with cognitive behavioral therapy and/or medications, and research suggests that getting regular exercise also can have significant benefits. Seventy percent of the study participants were women, average age 39, who had anxiety disorders; about half the participants had experienced … Read More

Some Blood Pressure Drugs May Help Memory

Dec 18, 2021 · Kate Brophy · Bones & Joints

High blood pressure is a known risk factor for dementia in older adults, but several studies have suggested that blood pressure medications may mitigate the harms of high blood pressure on cognition and memory. For example, in one large trial, treating high blood pressure with blood pressure-lowering drugs reduced cases … Read More

Ask The Doctor: January 2022

Dec 17, 2021 · UHN Staff · Bones & Joints

What is the latest advice about taking a daily aspirin to prevent a stroke or heart attack? It seems like there have been some mixed messages in recent years. For a long time, it was standard advice for anyone over the age of 50 and at high risk for stroke … Read More

How Age-Related Brain Changes Affect Attention and Therefore Memory

Dec 17, 2021 · UHN Staff · Bones & Joints

Like the rest of the body, the brain changes with age. Processing speed slows, and the ability to learn new information becomes more difficult than it did in our younger years. The power to focus and not succumb to distractions also takes a hit as we get older. So what … Read More

Memory Maximizers: January 2022

Dec 17, 2021 · UHN Staff · Bones & Joints

Learning a Second Language May Improve Cognition When you picture brain-training activities, your first thoughts might be of crossword puzzles, chess, computer games, or a challenging novel. But studying a second language may be just as beneficial as any other traditional brain-boosting activity. In a British study of older adults … Read More

Trouble Concentrating? Sharpen Your Focus and Improve Your Memory in the Process

Dec 17, 2021 · UHN Staff · Bones & Joints

[caption id="attachment_139904" align="alignleft" width="117"] Concentrating on one task can become more difficult over time, but with some simple strategies, you can regain some of that lost focus.[/caption] Worries about memory loss are often shaped by the idea that information we have learned has been lost or has faded with time … Read More

The MIND Diet Contributes  to a Healthier Brain

Dec 17, 2021 · UHN Staff · Bones & Joints

Looking for a diet that might help you preserve your brain function as you get older? You might consider the so-called MIND diet. “MIND” stands for “Mediterranean-DASH-diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay.” Scientists developed it by combining features from those healthy dietary patterns—the Mediterranean-style diet and DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to … Read More

Frontline: Flu or cold symptoms; Psoriatic arthritis risk; Dementia risk

Nov 24, 2021 · Dawn Bialy · Bones & Joints

Detect a Flu or Cold Before Symptoms Appear A wrist-worn wearable device has been successful in detecting both the flu and common cold in 31 participants (22.6 percent women) inoculated with H1N1 and 18 participants (31.1 percent women) inoculated with rhinovirus, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open … Read More

Ask The Doctor: December 2021

Nov 17, 2021 · UHN Staff · Bones & Joints

Is it true that men and women exhibit different signs of depression? Although women suffer from depression more commonly than men, they tend to present with similar symptoms, such as depressed mood and withdrawal from friends, family, and activities that once brought enjoyment. In some cases, however, they may exhibit … Read More