Lifestyle and Wellness

Celebrating the Power of Aging

Posted on by Manda Hufstedler

This July, as our country prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, we honor the generations of older adults who helped shape America’s history, communities, and future. AARP highlights inspiring Americans who made meaningful contributions later in life, reminding us that aging is a time of wisdom, purpose, creativity, and continued impact. At the NC Registry for Brain Health, we celebrate the important role older adults play in building healthier communities and advancing brain health for generations to come.

To learn more, visit this link.

July Eblast_Celebrating the Power of Aging

Summer 2026 Newsletter

Posted on by Manda Hufstedler

The summer edition of the NC Registry for Brain Health newsletter highlights ways to keep your brain active and engaged all season through research opportunities, community events, and daily habits.

We're also celebrating our ninth anniversary and your contributions to the NC Registry for Brain Health. Thank you for being part of our community and for everything we have accomplished together!

Click here to view the full newsletter and join us on Facebook.

Spring 2026 Newsletter

Posted on by Manda Hufstedler

Learn how to support your brain in the spring edition of the NC Brain Health newsletter. This issue highlights helpful brain health tips, research opportunities, and upcoming community events happening across North Carolina.

Thank you for being part of our community. Your support helps advance brain health research and education throughout the state.

Click here to view the full newsletter and join us on Facebook.

Healthy Eating Promotes Brain Health

Posted on by Manda Hufstedler

A Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, beans, and healthy fats is connected to better brain health. This way of eating can be especially helpful for communities of color, who often experience higher rates of heart and vascular health conditions that can impact the brain. Because this diet can be adapted to many cultural traditions, it offers a flexible and practical way to support both heart and brain health across the lifespan.  

To learn more about the Mediterranean-style diet and its effects on your health, visit the American Heart Association’s website. You can also visit this link to learn more about foods you can eat more regularly to promote brain health. You can take a deeper dive into how diet affects brain health by visiting the American Heart Association’s website. They also have resources to guide you on your healthy eating journey at this link. For healthy recipe ideas, visit this link. 

Feb Eblast_Healthy Eating Promote Brain Health

A Vaccine for Your Brain: Surprising Benefits of the Shingles Shot

Posted on by Manda Hufstedler

A new study offers encouraging news about both brain and immune health. The shingles vaccine, which is already recommended for adults age 50+ to prevent a painful viral infection, may also help lower dementia risk and even slow its progression. Researchers analyzing health data from more than 280,000 older adults in Wales and Australia found that people who received the shingles vaccine were less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Researchers found that, among those already living with dementia, vaccinated individuals had a significantly lower risk of dying over nine years. Scientists believe the vaccine may reduce harmful inflammation in the nervous system or strengthen the immune system, though more research is needed to understand why these benefits occur. While not a guaranteed preventive measure, experts agree that discussing the shingles vaccine with your doctor is a simple, accessible step that may support healthier aging and brain health.

To read more, visit this link.

Jan Eblast_Benefits of the Shingles Shot

The Connection Between Oral Health and the Brain

Posted on by Manda Hufstedler

A new study suggests that adults with gum disease may be more likely to show signs of damage in their brain's white matter, changes linked to memory problems, slower thinking, balance issues, and higher stroke risk. Researchers found that those with gum disease had more white matter hyperintensities on brain scans, even after accounting for age, blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking. While the study does not prove that gum disease causes brain changes, it strengthens growing evidence that oral health and brain health may be connected. Experts note that gum disease can be prevented and treated, and maintaining good dental hygiene is an important step in supporting long-term brain health. 

To learn more, visit this link.

Jan Eblast_Connection between oral health and the brain

Winter 2025 Newsletter

Posted on by Manda Hufstedler

The winter’s edition of the NC Registry for Brain Health newsletter highlights a year of significant progress in Alzheimer’s disease research and healthy aging. In this issue, you’ll find:

  • Highlights of scientific breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s disease, including the FDA’s approval of the first simple blood test for Alzheimer’s biomarkers
  • Practical guidance on preventing falls and an overview of new technologies that help older adults stay safer and more active, even during colder months!
  • Tips for caregivers navigating a stressful holiday season, plus links to healthy recipes
  • Upcoming community events

Thank you for your valuable partnership and ongoing support of brain health research. Your involvement makes a difference and helps move this important work forward.

Click here to view the full newsletter and join us on Facebook.

 

Junk Food and the Brain: A Recipe for Memory Loss

Posted on by Manda Hufstedler

A recent study by researchers at UNC Health shows that eating too much processed and high-fat "junk food" impacts your brain health. Researchers studied mice on a high-fat diet of fast foods, chips, and sugary snacks. In only four days, they noticed the mice were experiencing faster cognitive decline and memory issues.

The good news is that choosing healthier foods—such as vibrant fruits, crunchy vegetables, lean proteins, and hearty whole grains—can help protect your brain.

To learn more, visit this link.

Nov Eblast_Junk food and the brain

Can Microplastics Cause Dementia?

Posted on by Manda Hufstedler

A new report has brought microplastics, those incredibly tiny pieces of manufactured or broken-down plastic, into the conversation about brain health. The study found that the brain concentration of microplastics were ten times higher in patients who died from dementia compared to similar-aged patients without dementia at death.

While this discovery does not prove that microplastics cause dementia, it raises important questions: Does dementia lower the brain's defenses, allowing more microplastics into the brain, or are these small microplastics playing a role in the disease? While researchers investigate this complex link, it serves as a timely reminder that we can all take simple steps to reduce our daily exposure to microplastics. To learn more, visit this link.

Nov Eblast_Can microplastics cause dementia

Fall 2025 Newsletter

Posted on by Manda Hufstedler

We invite you to read this fall edition of the Registry’s newsletter to learn about key takeaways from the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) and a variety of other topics, including:

  • Studies finding benefits in following healthy lifestyle approaches for brain health
  • Advances in blood-based biomarker tests
  • A story of how one man lives well with early-onset Alzheimer's
  • Upcoming events for caregivers and others who want to learn more about brain health and advances in Alzheimer's treatments

Click here to view the full newsletter and join us on Facebook.