How hormone changes impact emotional memory

Hormone changes have a profound impact on emotional memory, influencing how we encode, store, and recall emotionally charged experiences. Hormones act as chemical messengers that regulate not only physical functions but also brain processes related to emotions and memory. When…

Why personal photos can feel unfamiliar during dementia

When someone with dementia looks at personal photos, those images can feel strangely unfamiliar or confusing. This happens because dementia affects how the brain processes memories and visual information, making it difficult for the person to recognize faces, places, or…

How dreams may reflect unspoken fears in Alzheimer’s patients

Dreams often serve as a window into the subconscious mind, revealing emotions and thoughts that may not be fully expressed or even consciously recognized. In the case of Alzheimer’s patients, dreams can become especially significant because they may reflect the…

Why seniors sometimes fear bright lights or open windows

Seniors sometimes fear bright lights or open windows because of changes in their eyes and nervous system that make them more sensitive to light and environmental stimuli. This sensitivity can cause discomfort, pain, or even anxiety when exposed to intense…

How color and texture sensitivity increase with cognitive issues

Color and texture sensitivity often become heightened or altered in individuals experiencing cognitive issues, such as dementia or mild cognitive impairment. This change occurs because the brain regions responsible for processing visual information—especially those handling color perception and texture recognition—are…

Why older adults stop enjoying their favorite foods

Older adults often stop enjoying their favorite foods due to a combination of physiological, psychological, and social factors that affect how they perceive taste and appetite. One of the primary reasons is the natural decline in the senses of taste…

How menopause changes sleep cycles and emotional recall

Menopause profoundly alters sleep cycles and emotional recall through complex hormonal changes that affect the brain, body temperature regulation, and mood stability. As women transition into menopause, levels of estrogen and progesterone decline significantly. These hormones play crucial roles in…

Why long-term memories often feel more vivid in Alzheimer’s

Long-term memories often feel more vivid in Alzheimer’s disease because the brain processes and stores different types of memories in distinct ways, and the disease affects these systems unevenly. While Alzheimer’s primarily damages areas responsible for forming new short-term memories,…

What brain imaging shows during hallucination episodes

When the brain experiences hallucinations, brain imaging reveals complex and dynamic changes in activity across multiple regions, reflecting how perception can be altered without external stimuli. These changes involve disruptions in normal sensory processing pathways, imbalances between excitatory and inhibitory…

Why repetitive phrases are more than just habit

Repetitive phrases are far more than just a simple habit or filler in our speech; they serve complex roles that intertwine with how our brains process information, communicate emotions, and manage social interactions. When someone repeats certain words or phrases…