cognitive health

Forget quick fixes for a longer life; science points to simple, daily habits. Prioritize movement, whole foods, and strong social ties. Guard your sleep, manage stress, and keep learning to sharpen your mind. Staying hydrated and having a purpose also significantly contribute to a healthier, longer existence. These fundamental lifestyle adjustments are key.

Every week, TOI+ subscribers ask questions about their health and India’s top doctors reply with clear, evidence-based guidance. From heart disease to diabetes, cancer to mental health, Hello, Doctor connects you directly with experts you can trust

Our fast-paced lives have led to reduced chewing, impacting brain health. Researchers reveal that thorough chewing boosts blood flow to the brain, enhancing oxygen supply and activating neural networks linked to memory and cognition. Studies suggest this overlooked habit protects against cognitive decline, especially in older adults. Prioritizing mindful eating and foods with texture is key.

A long-term study has found that visceral fat, not just overall body weight, is closely linked to brain aging and cognitive performance. It also suggests that waist size and blood sugar may matter more than BMI alone

A recent Instagram post by Salman Khan sparked widespread concern about loneliness, highlighting its alarming global impact. The World Health Organization now classifies social isolation as a public health crisis, comparable to air pollution and tobacco, contributing to nearly a million deaths annually. This paradox of increased digital connection alongside rising loneliness, particularly among young people, demands urgent attention.

A UK student's tragic suicide has been linked to severe vitamin B12 deficiency stemming from her vegan diet. The coroner's findings highlight how unchecked nutritional gaps can lead to serious mental health issues and even psychosis. This case underscores the critical need for proper supplementation in restrictive diets to prevent devastating consequences.

Japanese longevity is attributed to centuries-old dietary staples like natto, miso, and seaweed, rich in probiotics, minerals, and nutrients supporting gut health, bone density, and metabolic function. Consistent consumption of anti-inflammatory wasabi, ginger, and antioxidant-rich green tea further contributes to healthy aging, highlighting the power of dietary patterns over single superfoods.

A recent groundbreaking study has uncovered a compelling connection between diabetes management practices and the risk of cognitive decline. Those grappling with insulin-dependent diabetes—whether type 1 or type 2—are found to be at a significantly elevated risk for developing dementia.

Maria Branyas Morera, who lived to 117, defied aging expectations. Scientists discovered her internal chemistry mirrored younger individuals, with a unique microbiome and a Mediterranean diet, including daily yogurt, contributing to her remarkable health. Her lifestyle choices, devoid of smoking and alcohol, alongside constant activity and social connection, offer profound lessons for healthy aging.

Modern workplaces are increasingly becoming spaces where employees feel compelled to hide stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion behind professional smiles. A new report reveals why millions continue staying in toxic jobs despite deteriorating mental health, exposing a deeper workplace culture where survival, silence, and constant performance have quietly become part of everyday professional life.

Pregnancy and childbirth trigger significant physiological, psychological, and emotional transformations in women, often leading to "mommy brain" characterized by forgetfulness and mental fog. Scientific studies reveal neural recalibration, not decline, as the brain adapts to caregiving demands. This experience, while common, requires understanding and support for new mothers navigating identity shifts and cognitive loads.

Doctors have been saying this for a while: younger Indians are increasingly being diagnosed with high blood pressure. Now, a recent study confirms this. Even as overall hypertension cases have increased, in low- and middle-income countries, the largest burden is among people aged 40 to 59 – the heart of the working-age population

Protecting memory and thinking skills doesn't require expensive solutions. Harvard neurologist Dr. Scott McGinnis highlights that regular moderate-intensity exercise, like brisk walking, can increase brain volume and indirectly boost cognitive function by improving mood and sleep. Consistency is key, with benefits appearing after about six months of aiming for 150 minutes weekly.

The landline phones are back in trend with a modern makeover

Our information-saturated environment has trained our brains to perceive everything as urgent, a phenomenon known as shifting baseline syndrome. This constant low-level activation leads to stress and difficulty concentrating. Learning to pause, label tasks, and prioritize based on importance rather than perceived urgency can restore mental clarity and control.