All posts by Betsy Mills, PhD

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Is climate change harming the brain?

Features associated with climate change such as extreme heat and storms can stress the brain in ways that impair its function.

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Can experiences of awe benefit the brain?

Can experiences of awe benefit the brain?

Experiences of awe, which induce a sense of belonging, are associated with lower levels of stress and a greater sense of well-being. 

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How does the liver affect brain health?

How does the liver affect brain health?

Liver dysfunction can impair cognition through multiple mechanisms, some of which may be reversible.

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Can education boost cognition at any age?

Can education boost cognition at any age?

The cognitive benefits of later life education may be enhanced by optimizing the conditions of the learning environment.

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Are your clothes harming your health?

Are your clothes harming your health?

Many types of fabrics are treated with chemicals that can be harmful to the human brain and body.

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Are artificial sweeteners bad for the brain?

Are artificial sweeteners bad for the brain?

Excessive consumption of no calorie sweeteners may carry some of same health risks as sugar. 

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Can hearing aids preserve cognitive function?

Can hearing aids preserve cognitive function?

Hearing aids may benefit individuals with hearing loss and other dementia risk factors, but only if coupled with regular audiologist support.

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Can plastic harm the brain?

Can plastic harm the brain?

Plastics can shed microparticles into the environment and our bodies, which may promote disease-associated processes, such as chronic inflammation.

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Can a decline in your ability to walk and talk at the same time be a sign of brain aging?

Can a decline in your ability to walk and talk at the same time be a sign of brain aging?

The ability to seamlessly engage in multiple tasks at the same time could be an indication of brain health. 

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Can a positive outlook protect against dementia?

Can a positive outlook protect against dementia?

People with higher emotional resiliency have better health outcomes. Emotional resiliency is a skill that can be cultivated with practice.

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How does alcohol affect dementia risk?

How does alcohol affect dementia risk?

Studies assessing the relationship between alcohol and the brain show conflicting results. Here we explore why this is such a difficult thing to study, and what we know so far.

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