cognitive health

Forget quick fixes for a longer life; science points to simple, daily habits. Prioritize movement, whole foods, and strong social ties. Guard your sleep, manage stress, and keep learning to sharpen your mind. Staying hydrated and having a purpose also significantly contribute to a healthier, longer existence. These fundamental lifestyle adjustments are key.

Every week, TOI+ subscribers ask questions about their health and India’s top doctors reply with clear, evidence-based guidance. From heart disease to diabetes, cancer to mental health, Hello, Doctor connects you directly with experts you can trust

Indian working women are achieving career milestones but face significant emotional and cognitive costs due to unaddressed stress. Burnout is a structural issue, not individual failure, often stemming from a lack of recovery moments. The 5-5-5 Routine offers a simple, repeatable structure to create essential pauses for mental offloading, boundary enforcement, and intentional closure, fostering sustainable leadership and performance.

Our fast-paced lives have led to reduced chewing, impacting brain health. Researchers reveal that thorough chewing boosts blood flow to the brain, enhancing oxygen supply and activating neural networks linked to memory and cognition. Studies suggest this overlooked habit protects against cognitive decline, especially in older adults. Prioritizing mindful eating and foods with texture is key.

The UK government is reconsidering the non-custodial sentences handed down to three teenage boys found guilty of sexually assaulting two girls in Hampshire. Detractors claim that the penalties are insufficient, not properly addressing the gravity of the offenses. In response to public outrage, the attorney general's office is evaluating the case and extending resources to assist the victims.

A recent Instagram post by Salman Khan sparked widespread concern about loneliness, highlighting its alarming global impact. The World Health Organization now classifies social isolation as a public health crisis, comparable to air pollution and tobacco, contributing to nearly a million deaths annually. This paradox of increased digital connection alongside rising loneliness, particularly among young people, demands urgent attention.

A UK student's tragic suicide has been linked to severe vitamin B12 deficiency stemming from her vegan diet. The coroner's findings highlight how unchecked nutritional gaps can lead to serious mental health issues and even psychosis. This case underscores the critical need for proper supplementation in restrictive diets to prevent devastating consequences.

A long-term study has found that visceral fat, not just overall body weight, is closely linked to brain aging and cognitive performance. It also suggests that waist size and blood sugar may matter more than BMI alone

Modern workplaces are increasingly becoming spaces where employees feel compelled to hide stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion behind professional smiles. A new report reveals why millions continue staying in toxic jobs despite deteriorating mental health, exposing a deeper workplace culture where survival, silence, and constant performance have quietly become part of everyday professional life.

Maria Branyas Morera, who lived to 117, defied aging expectations. Scientists discovered her internal chemistry mirrored younger individuals, with a unique microbiome and a Mediterranean diet, including daily yogurt, contributing to her remarkable health. Her lifestyle choices, devoid of smoking and alcohol, alongside constant activity and social connection, offer profound lessons for healthy aging.

The landline phones are back in trend with a modern makeover

Doctors have been saying this for a while: younger Indians are increasingly being diagnosed with high blood pressure. Now, a recent study confirms this. Even as overall hypertension cases have increased, in low- and middle-income countries, the largest burden is among people aged 40 to 59 – the heart of the working-age population

Japanese longevity is attributed to centuries-old dietary staples like natto, miso, and seaweed, rich in probiotics, minerals, and nutrients supporting gut health, bone density, and metabolic function. Consistent consumption of anti-inflammatory wasabi, ginger, and antioxidant-rich green tea further contributes to healthy aging, highlighting the power of dietary patterns over single superfoods.

A recent groundbreaking study has uncovered a compelling connection between diabetes management practices and the risk of cognitive decline. Those grappling with insulin-dependent diabetes—whether type 1 or type 2—are found to be at a significantly elevated risk for developing dementia.

Our information-saturated environment has trained our brains to perceive everything as urgent, a phenomenon known as shifting baseline syndrome. This constant low-level activation leads to stress and difficulty concentrating. Learning to pause, label tasks, and prioritize based on importance rather than perceived urgency can restore mental clarity and control.

Pregnancy and childbirth trigger significant physiological, psychological, and emotional transformations in women, often leading to "mommy brain" characterized by forgetfulness and mental fog. Scientific studies reveal neural recalibration, not decline, as the brain adapts to caregiving demands. This experience, while common, requires understanding and support for new mothers navigating identity shifts and cognitive loads.

Social media's pervasive influence is reshaping childhood, impacting attention spans, emotional regulation, and self-esteem among Indian youth. Experts and parents highlight concerns over digital addiction, cyberbullying, and the erosion of real-world interactions. While acknowledging its benefits, the article stresses the need for balanced, mindful usage and open communication to navigate this digital landscape.

Protecting memory and thinking skills doesn't require expensive solutions. Harvard neurologist Dr. Scott McGinnis highlights that regular moderate-intensity exercise, like brisk walking, can increase brain volume and indirectly boost cognitive function by improving mood and sleep. Consistency is key, with benefits appearing after about six months of aiming for 150 minutes weekly.

Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) are revolutionizing naval operations and civilian sectors with their stealth, persistence, and risk reduction capabilities. Navies are investing heavily in these platforms for surveillance, mine warfare, and reconnaissance, while also finding dual-use applications in disaster response and oceanographic research.

A Spanish study suggests daily fruit and coffee consumption may slow cellular aging. Researchers found diets rich in polyphenols, abundant in these foods, significantly lowered the risk of unhealthy cell aging, evidenced by longer telomeres. While not a magic elixir, these everyday choices appear to play a crucial role in long-term cellular health and combating age-related diseases.

Every week, TOI+ subscribers ask questions about their health and India’s top doctors reply with clear, evidence-based guidance. From heart disease to diabetes, cancer to mental health, Hello, Doctor connects you directly with experts you can trust

Doctors emphasize that sustained focus goes beyond caffeine, highlighting the power of natural daily habits. Prioritizing sleep, hydration, movement, and mindful breaks can significantly enhance concentration and mental clarity without the side effects of stimulants. Simple routines like morning sunlight and short work pauses are key to a sharper mind.