Research shows that even mild COVID-19 can lead to the equivalent of seven years of brain aging.
Brain and Nervous System, Mental Health, Surgery

Cutting Edge: The Cautious Optimism for Psychiatric Brain Surgery

Originally known as psychosurgery, this uncommon approach to mental health care involves operating on the brain to alter its function. After lobotomies left many vulnerable patients disabled in the mid-20th century, the practice lost momentum and acquired a stigma. But surgeons in the field continued to refine their techniques. Now, psychiatric neurosurgery, a more nimble descendent, has seen an uptick in the treatment of conditions like severe OCD, and — more rarely — treatment-resistant depression and anxiety.

20250102 mouse brain
Aging, Brain and Nervous System, Dementia

A mouse study by researchers from the Allen Institute in Seattle provides roadmap for how aging may alter brain cell genetic activity.

Dall·e 2024 11 14 09.10.58 a claymation style illustration of a playful character inspired by a plumber with a red cap and mustache playing chess. he is sitting at a small table
Aging, Brain and Nervous System, Dementia

Brain-training games remain unproven, but research shows what sorts of activities do benefit cognitive functioning

The specific skills learned in these games often do not translate to more general, real-world applications. Whether brain games meet their end goal of lasting cognitive improvement across a number of areas is still highly debated among psychologists. To make such claims requires rigorous evidence that playing a specific game improves cognitive or brain performance.