How hormone shifts affect short-term planning

Hormone shifts can have a profound impact on **short-term planning** by influencing the brain’s ability to focus, regulate emotions, and make decisions. Hormones act as chemical messengers that affect not only physical health but also cognitive functions and mood, which…

Why older adults forget how to cook

Older adults may forget how to cook due to a combination of normal aging processes, cognitive decline, health conditions like dementia, and lifestyle changes that affect memory, motor skills, and motivation. As people age, it is common to experience some…

What happens in the brain during a hallucination

brain cells in dementia

Hallucinations occur when the brain creates sensory experiences without any external stimuli, making a person see, hear, feel, or even smell things that aren’t actually present. This phenomenon involves complex interactions within various brain regions and neural circuits, disrupting the…

Why dreams about loved ones become more frequent

Dreams about loved ones tend to become more frequent because our brains use dreaming as a way to process strong emotions, unresolved conflicts, and important relationships. When you experience intense feelings—whether joy, stress, sadness, or longing—your brain remains active during…

How breathing impacts cognitive processing

Breathing profoundly influences cognitive processing by directly affecting brain function, emotional regulation, and attention. The way we breathe—its rhythm, depth, and awareness—can either enhance or impair mental clarity, focus, memory, and decision-making. At its core, breathing controls the oxygen supply…

Why people with dementia resist changing clothes

People with dementia often resist changing clothes due to a combination of cognitive, emotional, and sensory challenges caused by their condition. This resistance is not simply stubbornness but stems from how dementia affects memory, perception, routine understanding, and comfort with…

What to expect as executive function declines

Executive function refers to a set of mental skills that help us manage and regulate our thoughts, actions, and emotions. These skills include planning, organizing, problem-solving, multitasking, controlling impulses, and adapting to new situations. When executive function begins to decline,…

How to build routines that protect memory

Building routines that protect and enhance memory involves creating consistent habits that support brain health, improve cognitive function, and reduce factors that can impair memory over time. The key is to develop daily practices that nurture your brain physically, mentally,…

Why changes in scent sensitivity matter

Changes in scent sensitivity matter deeply because our sense of smell is intricately tied to how we experience the world, communicate biologically, and even maintain health. The ability to detect and interpret odors influences everything from personal preferences and social…

What makes some Alzheimer’s patients aggressive

Alzheimer’s disease is a complex brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. One of the more challenging symptoms that some people with Alzheimer’s experience is **aggression**. This aggression can take many forms, such as irritability, shouting, physical outbursts like…