Delving into dementia

Dementia affects nearly 60 million people around the world, and air pollution is emerging as a major contributing factor to this global scourge.

The drinks don’t work

Retirees show more signs of depression than older people still in work, according to a major US study, but while binge drinkers are more likely to be depressed, those who drink in moderation have fewer depression symptoms than people who don’t drink at all.

Anatomy of a fall

Fall-related injuries in Australia’s residential aged care could be costing the health system $325 million annually according to a new study by the University of Queensland study.

Are you having COVID for Christmas?

While COVID may not be as prevalent or virulent this year, it’s still a good idea to take precautions and protect others from infection if you think you have the disease.

Read a book – or drive a taxi – to avoid Alzheimer’s disease

New studies suggest that mental exercise – like reading a book or navigating through a city – can help ward off mental decline just like physical exertion.

Test it yourself?

Better information and regulation are essential to protect consumers from potential harms of tests advertised directly to consumers, according to an article published in the British Medical Journal.

Healthy minds need healthy bodies

Higher cardio fitness in older age may preserve several core aspects of our mental ability that are vulnerable to age-related decline, according to international researchers, who say this holds true irrespective of key factors for mental decline including age and high-risk genetics.

It’s a worry

Social media and excessive screen time cannot solely be blamed for a rise in anxiety disorders in young people, according to a new book by a leading sociologist.

Exercise your life expectancy

If everyone was as active as the top 25 per cent of the population, people over the age of 40 could add five years to their life, according to a new study led by Griffith University researchers.

Genetic carrier screening

Aspiring parents can scan for hundreds of genetic conditions before having children, but only three are covered by Medicare. New research suggests that should change.

The years of salt

Reducing the amount of hidden salt in Australia’s processed food could help save thousands of lives a year, according to a new report in a medical journal.

Ancient tips for older people

The Ancient Greeks and Romans had a lot to say about longevity and good health and much of it remains true today.