Ever had a sinking feeling in your stomach when you heard bad news—or butterflies when you were excited? Those “gut feelings” are more than figures of speech. They’re signs of a real, two-way communication system between your brain and your gut. Scientists call it the gut-brain axis, and it plays a major role in both your mood and your memory.

Numerous studies show that people who stay active into midlife and beyond tend to maintain better memory and thinking skills as they age and have a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia. In contrast, a sedentary lifestyle (too much sitting and too little movement) can contribute to problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity – all of which take a toll on the brain over time and up your dementia risk.

Multiple long-term studies have found that people with high cholesterol in their 40s and 50s have about a 20–40% higher chance of dementia in old age compared to those with healthy levels.

Humans are wired for connection. From lively conversations to shared laughter, our brains thrive on social interaction. But when social ties loosen - whether from retirement, loss of a loved one, mobility changes, or simply drifting apart - the effects on brain health can be profound.

Keeping an eye on your drinking habits isn’t as obvious a strategy for protecting your brain health as doing crosswords or learning new skills. You might even be surprised that excessive alcohol use is a risk factor for dementia. In this article, we’ll explore how excessive alcohol consumption affects dementia risk and discuss practical, guilt-free ways to drink more mindfully and keep your brain healthier for the long run.

88 million people in the United States live in areas with dangerously high levels of urban air pollution. Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been linked to faster memory loss and higher Alzheimer’s risk. Most people can’t simply move away from pollution, but you can take small, practical steps to lower your exposure and protect your brain.

This week, the long-awaited results from the US POINTER Trial — the largest randomized controlled study of multidomain lifestyle interventions for brain health in the United States — were published in JAMA. And the message is clear: Lifestyle medicine works.

What if nearly half of Alzheimer’s cases could be prevented?

In this episode of High Octane Leadership, host Donald Thompson interviews Adam Schultz, co-founder of Mindr, a groundbreaking digital health startup focused on preventing Alzheimer's and dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Association’s 2025 Facts and Figures report confirms what many of us have feared: the crisis is growing. An estimated 7.2 million Americans are now living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia — a 300,000 increase in just one year.

The ground-breaking FINGER (Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability) is a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with more than 2600 patients.

MINDR is not a brain game. Mindr follows a comprehensive neurorehabilitative approach. While brain games can be enjoyable and provide mental stimulation, limited scientific evidence supports the claim that they directly prevent dementia or significantly delay cognitive decline.

Recent advances in diagnostic tools and therapeutics are ushering in a new era of possibility for those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. While progress has come in stages, the momentum is undeniable.

We are seeking a talented Web/Mobile App Developer with AI/ML experience to join our team on a work-for-equity basis. In this role, you will play a vital part in the development and enhancement of our digital health platform.

Mindr App Screenshot

In the quest to unlock the mysteries of dementia, researchers are increasingly turning their attention to the potential insights hidden within the human body. While diagnosing dementia in its early stages remains a complex task, recent advancements have shed light on the potential role of blood biomarkers in revolutionizing early detection and intervention strategies.

Preventative measures play a crucial role in reducing the risk of dementia, and Medicare Advantage plans have the potential to become powerful advocates in promoting cognitive health.