Category: Blog

Brain health is not just about managing aging-related disorders like dementia; it’s about fostering resilience and optimal functioning throughout life. According to Licet Valois, a social worker specializing in dementia prevention, early education and community engagement are key to empowering individuals to take proactive steps in preserving brain health. “We don’t have to wait until…

When it comes to brain health, the focus often falls on genetics—whether a parent’s diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disease will impact an individual’s future. Yet, as psychogeriatrician Dr. Juan Melendez points out, “We tend to inherit our parents’ bad habits rather than their diseases.” This perspective highlights the concept of epigenetics, where lifestyle choices and…

Embarking on a journey to improve brain health can feel daunting, particularly for those facing lifestyle changes later in life. As Dr. Juan Melendez points out, “It’s like learning to swim as a child versus as an adult. A child will learn with no fear, but an adult is aware of the water and may…

We often think of the brain as the body’s command center, sending signals to control everything from breathing to movement, however, it’s important to consider just how much information is sent in the other direction, as the brain receives signals from other organs. Studies show that the gut sends more signals to the brain than…

A balanced microbiome—a diverse community of bacteria, yeasts, and even viruses living in your gut—plays a critical role in your digestion, immunity, and brain health. Preventive Medicine physician, Dr. Dan Angerbauer, focuses on helping all of his patients optimize their GI function and microbiome as a key component to longevity. Here, he describes what it…

Probiotics have become popular for gut health, yet with so many strains and types available, it can be challenging to know where to start. Preventive Medicine physician, Dr. Dan Angerbauer, explains that there are three main types of probiotics commonly used, each with unique benefits. Here’s a guide to understanding the different types of probiotics,…

When it comes to brain health, choosing the right diet can be confusing. With so much information available, it’s hard to know which dietary approach is best for supporting cognitive function and reducing the risk of cognitive decline. According to Preventive Medicine physician, Dr. Dan Angerbauer, there’s no one-size-fits-all diet, but a few well-researched options…

Have you noticed issues with your short term memory or coordination as you’ve gotten older? It may actually be related to a natural age-related decline in attention and processing speed. Dr. Kellyann Niotis, Director of Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia Prevention Research at IND, and movement specialist Beth Lewis, discuss how these important cognitive domains…

What are you focusing on at the gym this week? Upper body, lower body, core? But what about your hands and feet? We rarely think about exercising our fingers and toes—they’re usually just along for the ride, helping us grip a dumbbell or balance during a jump squat. Yet, according to Dr. Kellyann Niotis, Director…

When we think about muscles, we often picture them on a sliding scale of size—are you strong with big, bulging muscles, frail with little muscle tone, or somewhere in between? But beyond muscle size and how visible they are due to body fat, there’s another key factor: muscle quality. As we age, preserving not just…