Northwestern University has launched the Simpson Querrey Brain Health Institute (SQ-Brain), made possible by nearly $25 million in philanthropic funding from university trustee Kimberly K. Querrey ('22, '23 P). SQ-Brain envisions a future where our brains last as long as our bodies a world where brain health is continuously measurable, modifiable and monitorable across the lifespan, and where prevention of cognitive decline and brain injury is anchored in neurovascular biology and precision medicine.
Untracked powder and perfect corduroy. These are the things that skiers and riders live for. But finding either at the big-name resorts in the Lake Tahoe area can be almost impossible. That's why Tahoe locals have gravitated to Diamond Peak Ski Resort when they're looking to get away from the crowds and find a bit of space. Diamond Peak offers 1,840 vertical feet of steep north-facing groomers, hidden powder stashes, and incredible views of Lake Tahoe from the slopes.
While it's important to be aware of the connection between sugar and dementia risk, all four experts emphasized that this doesn't mean you have to cut sugar completely out of your life. Pascual-Leone shared that experiencing pleasure is important for mood and brain health, and eating foods we love (even if they're void of nutritional benefits) is part of that. Instead of nixing sugary snacks completely, he recommends eating them in moderation and making it a point to savor the experience when you do have them.
Morry Kernerman, an accomplished violin prodigy, commits YouTube recordings of classical music to memory, hikes in a hilly ravine with his son and volunteers to teach music in South America. As he prepares to celebrate his 101st birthday next week, Kernerman is convinced that music has played an outsized role in contributing to his long and active life. The Toronto resident is what's known as a super-ager, someone 80 or up who retains the memory abilities of those in their 40s or 50s.
Decades of research show that people who have more years of education, more cognitively demanding jobs or more mentally stimulating hobbies all tend to have a reduced risk of cognitive impairment as they get older. Experts think this is partly thanks to cognitive reserve: Basically, the more brain power you've built up over the years, the more you can stand to lose before you experience impairment.
When I asked neurologists about their top behaviors for brain health, they all stressed the importance of physical activity. Exercise is top, No. 1, when we're thinking about the biggest bang for your buck, said Dr. Gregg Day, a neurologist at the Mayo Clinic. Numerous studies have shown that people who exercise regularly tend to perform better on attention, memory and executive functioning tests. There can be a small cognitive boost immediately after a workout, and the effects are sustained if people exercise consistently.
At CES 2026, the tech giant is rumored to unveil a Brain Health feature, developed to detect early signs of dementia, according to rumors. Details are sparse, but Sammobile reported that the feature will analyze various metrics to detect early signs of dementia. These include gait patterns, changes in a user's voice, and sleep status. Whether this will be through Samsung's smartphones, smartwatches, or smart rings is still unknown.
Every weekday afternoon, Harvard neurologist Jasmeer Chhatwal gets up from his desk, heads out of the office, and walks about three-quarters of a mile to get a cup of coffee from a neighborhood cafe. There's a perfectly good coffee maker in the office, but the afternoon ritual isn't (just) about caffeine. The 20-minute stroll is helping to stave off symptoms of brain aging like memory loss, according to Chhatwal's research.
Millions of people around the world are living with the harsh reality of Alzheimer's disease, which also significantly impacts family members. Nobody is immune, as A-list actor Chris Hemsworth discovered when his own father was recently diagnosed. The revelation inspired Hemsworth to embark on a trip down memory lane with his father, which took them to Australia's Northern Territory. The experience was captured on film for A Road Trip To Remember, a new documentary film from National Geographic.
First off, one serving of canned sardines has almost 100% of the daily recommended intake of omega-3s, which are associated with tons of positive health benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids are good for heart health, and known to help prevent things like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver. What's even better is that research suggests that the other nutrients and minerals found in sardines - including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc - may work together with omega-3s to produce better results than supplements alone.
Berries and colorful vegetables, which flood the body with antioxidants like anthocyanins and quercetin. These compounds neutralize inflammation linked to neurodegenerative diseases. "Berries support a healthy gut microbiome, which in turn protects the brain," Dr. Naidoo explains, referencing a 2024 meta-analysis showing berries and probiotics reduce gut-related inflammation driving conditions like atherosclerosis. For instance, blueberries have been associated with improved memory and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's due to their high anthocyanin content.
The Truth About Pumpkin Spice The spices that define fall-cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves-are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Cinnamon alone has been studied for its potential to reduce insulin resistance and oxidative stress, both of which are linked to cognitive decline. However, the average pumpkin spice latte contains up to 50 grams of sugar, more than the daily recommended limit for adults.
Many bestselling products marketed as wholesome-like beverages, granola bars, flavored yogurts, cereals, and other snacks-are major sources of added sugar. Excessive sugar intake has been linked to accelerated cognitive decline and dementia risk. A recent UK Biobank analysis of over 200,000 people found that higher dietary sugar consumption was associated with a greater incidence of dementia.
