Can oxygen deprivation at birth cause lifelong memory problems? Yes, oxygen deprivation during birth, known as hypoxia or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), can damage the developing brain and lead to lasting memory issues along with other cognitive challenges.[1][2][3] A baby’s brain…
Is long-term Tylenol use tied to higher dementia rates? No, research does not link Tylenol, which contains acetaminophen, to increased dementia risk. Instead, concerns about dementia often focus on other common over-the-counter drugs with anticholinergic effects. Tylenol stands out as…
Can birth trauma increase the chances of epilepsy later in life? Yes, birth trauma that leads to brain injuries in newborns can raise the risk of developing epilepsy in childhood or later. Birth trauma often involves oxygen deprivation during delivery,…
Air pollution does worsen dementia progression, with studies showing that tiny particles like PM2.5 speed up brain damage in conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementia. Researchers have found clear links between breathing in polluted air over time and…
Can lead exposure in childhood lead to lifelong cognitive decline? Yes, research shows that even low levels of lead absorbed by young children can cause lasting damage to brain development, leading to problems with thinking, behavior, and mental health that…
Is there a link between anesthesia in seniors and memory loss? Research shows a possible connection, mainly through short-term issues like confusion and delirium after surgery, but evidence on long-term memory loss is mixed and not always directly caused by…
Does secondhand smoke during pregnancy raise the risk of cerebral palsy in babies? Research shows no direct link, but it does harm the developing brain in ways that could affect movement and health. Secondhand smoke means breathing in smoke from…
Can repeated concussions speed up Alzheimer’s disease? Research shows a strong link between repeated head injuries and a higher risk of Alzheimer’s, with studies finding that people with multiple concussions face up to four times the chance of dying from…
Is dementia linked to long-term sleep medication use? Research shows a possible connection, especially with certain types of sleep drugs that affect brain chemicals, though poor sleep itself also raises dementia risk. Many older adults turn to sleep medications when…
Can epidural mistakes during labor cause cerebral palsy? Epidurals help manage pain during labor by injecting medicine into the space around the spinal cord. When done right, they are safe for most mothers. But mistakes can happen, and these errors…