What Is a Cortisol Hangover? A cortisol hangover describes the lingering mental and physical exhaustion that follows prolonged stress or overstimulation. It feels similar to waking up after a sleepless night: foggy thinking, low motivation, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Cortisol, often called the fight-or-flight hormone, plays an essential role in helping the brain respond to…
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A Friendship Rooted in Strength When you meet friends Dr. Margaret Johnson and Cindy Partlow, the first thing you notice is their laughter. They finish each other’s sentences, tease like sisters, and share a quiet determination that has carried them through one of life’s toughest challenges—Margaret’s diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). What began as…
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Understanding the Challenge of Getting Diagnosed When it comes to cognitive decline, getting a diagnosis isn’t always simple—or quick. Many people begin by visiting their general practitioner. They discover that most primary care physicians aren’t fully equipped to diagnose cognitive conditions. This isn’t a failure on their part—it’s simply that cognitive health is a specialized…
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What Is Amyloid Plaque? When we think about brain health, most people imagine memory exercises or a healthy diet—but few have heard of a key factor called amyloid plaque. Amyloid plaque refers to the buildup of proteins in the brain, specifically the amyloid beta protein. These proteins are naturally produced, but when they accumulate faster…
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Understanding Dementia Prevalence in the United States Dementia is one of the most pressing health concerns facing an aging population. Currently, nearly 7 million Americans are living with dementia, most of whom are over the age of 65. However, younger individuals are increasingly being diagnosed with what is known as young-onset dementia, which occurs before…
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Why Water Matters for Cognitive Function Water is essential for life, and it plays a critical role in brain health. While the body is made up of about 60% water, the brain is nearly 75% water. Even a small drop—just one to two percent—in hydration levels can cause noticeable effects such as brain fog, fatigue,…
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Rethinking the Idea of Normal Aging Many people assume that getting older automatically means experiencing mental decline. But according to Judy Prichard, certified cognitive coach and founder of Cognitive Thrive, that belief is outdated. Your brain is like a muscle—just as you exercise your body to stay strong, you can train and support your brain…
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What Is Sundowning? Sundowning is a term used to describe a noticeable shift in behavior experienced by individuals with cognitive changes, such as Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, particularly in the late afternoon or early evening. It’s a common and often distressing symptom marked by increased confusion, anxiety, agitation, and sometimes even aggression…
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The Overlooked Link Between Hearing and Cognitive Decline Hearing loss is one of the most common health issues facing adults, particularly those over the age of 60. Often seen as an inconvenient part of aging, untreated hearing loss is far more serious than many realize. Mounting evidence shows a strong link between hearing impairment and…
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The Overlooked Role of the Pharmacist When we consider aging well and maintaining cognitive health, we often focus on diet, exercise, and regular medical check-ups. However, one critical and frequently overlooked resource is your local pharmacist. Pharmacists play a pivotal role in supporting healthy aging, particularly in managing medications and supplements that can impact memory,…
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