Feeling a little foggy? You're not alone
Can't quite remember what you were looking for on the computer? Not sure what that person's name is? A study in Neurology reports that cognitive problems are on the rise, especially among younger folks. Looking at 4.5 million survey responses, researchers found that almost 10 % of folks under age 40 say that physical, mental, or emotional conditions are causing them serious difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions. That's up from 5% a decade ago. And for all ages, reported cognition problems rose from just over 5% to 7% of people surveyed.
What accounts for this? Here are some intriguing causes -- that you can control. Research in PLOSGenetics shows that a high-fat diet impairs intermediate-term memory by making it harder for the brain to clear out damaged and dead debris (that's called autophagic activity), clogging up your thinking processes. And a study in Scientific Reports outlines why you may have a hard time concentrating because of overexposure to all kinds of digital input. Seems it can actually thin your brain's cerebral cortex, which handles perception and memory.
Want three easy ways to strengthen your brain -- and have fun? 1. Get out into nature for a phone-free walk at least three times a week. 2. Eat a plant-based diet without highly processed foods, red or red processed meats and added sugars. 3. Find a passion and a sense of purpose and dive into it. (Gardening? Volunteering? Swimming? Anything will do.) For more than 30 other ways to keep your brain healthy for a lifetime, check out 4YOUngevity.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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