Smoking during pregnancy exposes the fetus to nicotine, which crosses the placenta and can harm brain development, leading to potential motor control problems in infants. Research shows that nicotine disrupts key parts of the growing brain, affecting systems that control…
Can low vitamin D levels raise dementia risk? Yes, research shows that people with low vitamin D have a higher chance of developing dementia, with studies linking deficiency to up to a 32 percent increased risk or more in severe…
Does maternal stress during labor contribute to cerebral palsy? Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. It often starts in early childhood and is caused by damage to…
Is high blood pressure in midlife tied to memory decline? Yes, research shows a clear link between high blood pressure during middle age and later problems with memory and thinking skills. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, harms small blood…
Can head trauma in childhood raise the chances of dementia later in life? Yes, research shows that injuries to the head during childhood can increase dementia risk as people get older, though scientists are still figuring out exactly why and…
Does exposure to pesticides during pregnancy raise the risk of autism in children? Studies suggest a possible link, especially with certain pesticides like organophosphates, but the evidence is not fully settled and calls for more research. Pregnant women and their…
Is depression in midlife a warning sign of Alzheimer’s? Recent research shows that not all depression symptoms carry the same weight. A study from University College London found that people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who had certain depressive…
Can chronic ear infections in infancy lead to learning disabilities? Ear infections are very common in babies and young children. Next to colds, they are the top illness kids face before age three. Most clear up fast with no big…
Does daily aspirin use affect memory loss in aging? Research shows mixed results, with some animal studies suggesting benefits for memory through brain plasticity, while large human trials find no protection against cognitive decline or dementia. Aspirin is a common…
Can Premature Birth Increase Cerebral Palsy Risk? Babies born too early face a higher chance of developing cerebral palsy, a condition that affects muscle control and movement because of brain damage or abnormal development. While cerebral palsy happens in about…