News.Life

Cannabis Users Show Distinct Brain Structure and Function, But Genes Tell a Different Story

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1x6h2M" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1x6h2M.jpg"/>


 New research published in
 BMJ Mental Health
 illuminates the connection between lifelong cannabis consumption and brain health among middle-aged to older adults. The research revealed that people who have used cannabis show variations in their brain structure and functioning when contrasted with those who haven’t used it, notably concerning aspects like the integrity of white matter and how different parts of the brain connect within networks. Nevertheless, sophisticated genetic examinations suggest these discrepancies probably do not stem directly from using cannabis, implying that additional elements might be influencing these outcomes.


 Over the last ten years, there has been a significant rise in cannabis consumption amongst elderly individuals, partly due to its legalisation for both medicinal and recreational uses across numerous areas. Even though it has become more widely accepted, studies examining the prolonged impacts of cannabis on cognitive function within ageing communities remain scarce.


 Current research largely concentrates on young people and frequent users, thus leaving many uncertainties regarding its effects on elderly occasional consumers. Moreover, earlier investigations have found it challenging to ascertain if the detected alterations in the brain can be solely attributed to cannabis consumption or if they are affected by additional variables. This latest study sought to bridge this gap by integrating conventional observation techniques with genetic analysis to investigate the possible causative link between cannabis usage and neurological well-being.


 "As cannabis usage increases worldwide following its legalisation for both medicinal and recreational uses, there is an increasing necessity to comprehend its possible impacts on the brain, especially among elderly individuals," stated the study’s lead author.
 Saba Ishrat
 A PhD student in psychiatry at the University of Oxford stated, "Although maintaining brain health in later years is crucial, elderly individuals have frequently been overlooked in cannabis studies. This research represents the most extensive observational analysis conducted so far to investigate how cannabis usage correlates with changes in brain structure and functionality. Additionally, this is the pioneering effort to integrate genetic information for exploring possible causative relationships."


 The investigators examined information from 15,896 individuals enrolled in the UK Biobank, an extensive health resource. These participants, who were between 40 and 69 years old when the research began, submitted details concerning their past usage of cannabis through self-reports. Those who used cannabis were grouped according to how often they consumed it, distinguishing those classified as low-frequency users (with 1–10 instances) from high-frequency ones (those consuming 11 times or above). The collection of brain images was conducted employing sophisticated MRI methods, which assessed more than 3,900 aspects linked to both the form and operation of the brain.


 The research concentrated on the integrity of white matter, evaluated via fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity, along with functional connectivity within various brain networks including the default mode network and the central executive network. The analysis contrasted these metrics between individuals who use cannabis and those who do not, adjusting for possible influencing variables like age, gender, educational background, and psychological state.


 Users of cannabis displayed notable variations in their brain measurements when contrasted with those who do not use the substance. These discrepancies were most evident in the quality of white matter, specifically within the genu of the corpus callosum—a part that links the brain's left and right halves. Individuals using cannabis had decreased fractional anisotropy and increased mean diffusivity in this area, suggesting diminished white matter integrity. Comparable trends were also noted in various other white matter pathways, such as the cingulum bundle and the anterior corona radiata.


 The functional connectivity studies indicated either diminished or enhanced links among different neural networks, notably within areas linked to the default mode network and the central executive network. These networks play key roles in functions like making decisions, retaining memories, and focusing attention. Some parts of the brain exhibited heightened interconnectivity, whereas others experienced decreased connectivity, implying a multifaceted and inconsistent effect of cannabis consumption on cognitive processes.


 In order to delve deeper into causality, the scientists employed Mendelian randomisation, an approach which utilises genetic information to establish cause-and-effect connections. Even though certain correlations were noted, the genetic studies did not provide any indication of a causal link between cannabis consumption and alterations in brain architecture or operation. Consequently, this suggests that the detected variations might be due to external influences like habits, economic standing, or additional aspects of well-being, instead of stemming directly from cannabis usage itself.


 In our research, we discovered an association between lifetime cannabis consumption and various indicators of brain structure and functionality in subsequent years, such as diminished white matter integrity and decreased resting-state functional connectivity within certain areas of the brain," Ishrat stated to News, Diwdia-. "Nevertheless, our genetic examinations did not confirm a direct causative relationship, indicating that these noted correlations might not be solely due to cannabis usage.


 One unexpected finding was the absence of replicated connections between cannabis usage and the size of grey matter in the hippocampus—a crucial area for memory—when compared with previous reports. This discrepancy might stem from variations in participant ages, since past research concentrated on teenagers and young adults, but our study included individuals who were middle-aged to elderly. Additionally, it is plausible that alterations in white matter may be more responsive to the impacts of cannabis than measurements related to grey matter.


 Like all studies, this one comes with certain limitations. The participants from the UK Biobank tend to be healthier and better educated compared to the broader public, potentially affecting how widely applicable these results can be considered. Furthermore, due to insufficient statistical power, the Mendelian randomization analyses might not have detected minor causal relationships effectively. Finally, because only a few individuals reported frequent marijuana usage within the dataset, examining specific impacts based on varying levels of consumption was challenging for the investigators.


 “We should approach our conclusions with care,” Ishrat stated. “The unrecorded factors within the observational study could clarify why we see differences when comparing this data to our genetic analysis. Further investigation is necessary to thoroughly grasp the processes behind these connections and to explore how significant marijuana consumption impacts elderly groups, taking into account aspects like strength.”


 Subsequent investigations ought to tackle these constraints by incorporating a wider array of participants and adopting long-term studies to monitor alterations in the brain over extended periods. Research dedicated to frequent cannabis consumers and analyzing the impacts of various types and strengths of cannabis might offer a deeper comprehension of its influence. Additionally, probing gender-based disparities, as hinted at in this investigation, could uncover significant knowledge.


 “Ishrat mentioned that the primary objective is to investigate how cannabis affects older individuals, broadening our knowledge beyond what has been documented in younger cohorts. This study seeks to illuminate cannabis’s influence on mental well-being, thereby offering crucial information to shape public health strategies and support policy decisions based on solid evidence.”


 The study, “
 Association between cannabis usage and alterations in brain structure and function: an observational and Mendelian randomisation investigation
 ," was written by Saba Ishrat, Daniel F. Levey, Joel Gelerntir, Klaus Ebmeier, and
 Anya Topiwala
 .

Cannabis Users Show Distinct Brain Structure and Function, But Genes Tell a Different Story

Unknown brain health, cannabis, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare, mental health

New research published in BMJ Mental Health illuminates the connection between lifelong cannabis consumption and brain health among middle-aged to older adults. The research revealed that people…

AI Chatbots Offer Lifeline for Singapore's Youth Mental Health Crisis

Unknown artificial intelligence, brain health, medicine and healthcare, mental health, psychology

Almost a third of youths in Singapore experience mental health issues. Many are seeking help through chatbots such as Wysa for emotional assistance.

 Jessica, who is 25 years old, finds herself waking up with both a throbbing head and an increasing feeling of dread. This isn’t merely due to the aftermath of a night filled with dance and alcohol; rather, it’s a deep-seated anxiety that grips her as daylight streams in.


 Her thoughts spiral: is she falling behind in life? Is she capable of love? As her mind races, she turns to the one confidant who's always available:
 ChatGPT

"She mentioned that it had become a place where she could ‘vent her trauma’ without concern for whether it could emotionally reciprocate or not. Other times, she simply needed to express frustration or discuss something briefly and then conclude the interaction, free from the obligation of maintaining a dialogue since it wasn’t with an actual person.”


 Are you looking for insights into the most significant issues and developments globally? Find your answers here.
 SCMP Knowledge
 , our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.


 OpenAI's chatbot has helped her through heartbreaks and job losses, and it's judgment free. "I know ChatGPT is an AI bot, but it makes me feel heard and validates my feelings more than any human does sometimes," she said.


 For Jessica, who is between jobs, the structured and rational responses of an AI chatbot feel grounding - almost more reassuring than a late-night call to a friend and far cheaper than therapy. She's not alone.

<div class="image-inline-container">
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BtMMU" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BtMMU.jpg" />
</div>

 As therapy costs rise and mental health stigma persists, more people - especially the young - are turning to chatbots for quick emotional fixes. Whether coping with break-ups or career dilemmas, these AI companions are helping to reshape how some grapple with stress and vulnerability.


 In China,
 DeepSeek
 has become an alternative to traditional therapy for some young people, who turn to the AI app for advice and introspection. Meanwhile, in the United States, a 2021 study by therapeutic chatbot company Woebot Health found that 22 per cent of adults had used a mental health chatbot, while nearly half expressed interest in doing so.


 Singapore was an early adopter of
 artificial intelligence
 for mental health, launching Wysa in 2020 as a response to the pandemic. The chatbot offers access to meditation, breathing exercises and pep talks to help users manage their mental health challenges.


 More than 90 per cent of Wysa users have reported feeling emotional relief and being able to reframe their thoughts, according to Pranav Gupta, global head of commercial and partnerships at Wysa. Many had sought support for workplace and relationship issues exacerbated by the pandemic.

<div class="blockquote-quote">
 People are struggling to access care so they turn to what's easily available
</div>
<div class="blockquote-author">
 Only Adam, a trauma recovery counselor
</div>

 John Lim, who serves as the chief well-being officer at the Singapore Counselling Centre, mentioned that these chatbots offer a "judgment-free" environment where individuals can freely share their thoughts.


 He mentioned that he has come across people using AI chatbots for emotional backing, frequently as an initial move before consulting professionals or as an addition to their therapy sessions. For those new to counseling, these AI chatbots serve as a tender introduction to grasping what receiving support entails.


 AI chatbots have emerged as the initial point of support for a generation grappling with mental health issues.


 According to a 2024 survey conducted by the Institute of Mental Health, almost one-third of individuals between the ages of 15 and 35 in Singapore indicated experiencing signs of depression, anxiety, or stress. Among the 2,600 participants, about one-fourth reported having significant or very intense feelings of anxiety during the previous week.


 Adam, who specializes as a trauma recovery therapist and relationship coach at The Good Life Counselling, stated that the reliance on AI chatbots highlights a significant "emotional and mental health crisis."


 "Individuals find it difficult to obtain proper care, so they resort to whatever is readily accessible. In most instances, these platforms permit people to express their emotions and receive some form of response," she explained.


 Although these AI platforms provide such accessibility and even a sense of connection... they lack the depth, subtlety, and emotional resonance required for genuine healing in the end.

<div class="image-inline-container">
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BtFyI" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BtFyI.jpg" />
</div>

 Not everybody resorts to chatbots seeking empathy, though. For instance, Vanessa*, aged 32, utilizes them as tools for organizing her thoughts. Considering a relocation overseas, Vanessa sought guidance from ChatGPT.


 “I believe I wasn’t particularly seeking emotional support; instead, I needed someone impartial to listen to me. I was engaged in significant personal exploration to clarify my preferences regarding my career and relationships,” she explained.


 Vanessa views ChatGPT as just one of several “resources” available to her, complemented by traditional face-to-face therapy sessions. She remarked, "Nothing beats talking directly to a therapist in person. An effective therapist possesses an array of techniques and strategies tailored to address various issues such as using EMDR therapy for managing anxiety."


 Vanessa noted that even with its constraints, the chatbot’s availability couldn’t be denied. It served as an affordable substitute for individual therapy sessions, which typically range from S$80 to S$300 (approximately US$60-US$225), often costing much more.


 Jessica voiced similar feelings about her AI “companion,” noting that it seemed quite authentic. She explained, "Though I haven’t been to therapy myself, talking to those who have suggests that the guidance provided feels akin to what one might receive from an actual therapist.” Jessica highlighted how useful she finds its impartiality and organization.


 Nonetheless, mental health experts caution that although AI chatbots provide quick, available, and unbiased assistance, they cannot substitute for professional therapy.

<div class="image-inline-container">
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BtQRO" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BtQRO.jpg" />
</div>

 Just compared chatbots to brief pieces of mental wellness material found on social platforms, offering easily digestible guidance, comfort, and affirmation, thereby assisting individuals in feeling acknowledged, supported, and valued.


 Lim pointed out potential dangers including incorrect guidance, absence of responsibility, perpetuation of detrimental behaviors, and excessive dependency. He mentioned, "Instances have occurred where chatbots offered ineffective or potentially damaging recommendations, like proposing harmful ways to cope or not recognizing critical situations."


 Gupta from Wysa highlighted that AI is not meant to “replace therapy,” but rather to make support more readily available. "AI will never substitute for human therapists. Rather, it acts as a crucial supplement—filling voids, offering assistance between appointments, and connecting with individuals who may have otherwise never sought help," he stated.


 The future of mental health care won't be about choosing between AI and therapists. It will involve AI and therapists collaborating.


 Nur concurred, observing that chatbots enable patients to express themselves between appointments or manage tough feelings when cut off from their support network. However, she warned against confusing artificial intelligence with genuine human connections.


 "The primary risk associated with depending on AI for mental health assistance lies in the false sense of genuine interaction. You might think you’re receiving attention as responses come back at you rather than feeling ignored or disrespected... however, this falls short of providing the profound engagement necessary for authentic recovery,” she explained.


 
 *Names altered upon participants' request
 


 More Articles from SCMP


 Sadness grips Singapore following the passing of founding father Lee Kuan Yew in 2015 – sourced from SCMP archives


 Students from Hong Kong suffer from gastroenteritis during yet another educational tour on the mainland.


 A Hong Kong café that served as a refuge for numerous feral cats has been compelled to shut down.


 China calls for the EU to address the electric vehicle subsidy dispute and convey a positive message amidst uncertainties.


 The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.


 Copyright © 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

AI Chatbots Offer Lifeline for Singapore's Youth Mental Health Crisis

Unknown artificial intelligence, brain health, medicine and healthcare, mental health, psychology

Almost a third of youths in Singapore experience mental health issues. Many are seeking help through chatbots such as Wysa for emotional assistance. Jessica, who is 25 years old, finds herself waking…

Scientists discover the brain's 3 ageing 'waves' that starts before 60

Unknown aging, brain health, dementia, health and exercise, senior citizens

<ul class="mol-bullets-with-font">
 <li class="">
 
 READ MORE: 4 crucial factors that can protect you from developing dementia
 
 </li>
</ul>

 Whether you're turning 60, 70 or 80, everyone starts to feel 'old' at very different times.


 But our brains go through three distinct 'ageing peaks' throughout our lives, according to a new study.


 Experts have identified that levels of 13 proteins linked to brain ageing spike at 57, 70 and 78.


 This suggests that these specific age groups may be critical points where interventions can significantly aid in maintaining brain health for an extended period, according to them.


 The group examined the levels of approximately 3,000 proteins in the blood plasma of almost 5,000 Britons ranging from 45 to 82 years old.


 The analysis showed that 13 proteins closely associated with brain aging appear in three distinct peaks related to age at 57, 70, and 78 years old.


 A specific protein known as Brevican (BCAN) is linked to the beginning of dementia, stroke, and problems related to movement.


 Another protein, called GDF15, has also been linked to age-related diseases.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1vxJ0z" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1vxJ0z.jpg"/>
<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1vxLh6" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1vxLh6.jpg"/>

 The authors said that the peaks in these 13 proteins may reflect changes in human brain health at these specific ages.


 And these could be important times to consider interventions in the brain ageing process, they said, that could help delay the onset of diseases such as dementia.


 The research was led by a team from the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University in China.


 Writing in the journal Nature Ageing they warned that by 2050, it is estimated that the number of people aged 65 years and above will exceed 1.5 billion globally – highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of the ageing process.


 In the UK alone, nearly one million people have the condition, with numbers rising. It remains our biggest killer.


 'We found that the late fifth decade is a potential onset timepoint for brain ageing,' they said.


 'In addition, our study suggested that the seventh and late seventh decades are also essential time points in brain ageing.


 'These findings contribute to bridging essential knowledge gaps in clarifying the molecular mechanisms of brain aging, with substantial implications for the future development of… biomarkers for brain aging, as well as personalised therapeutic targets for subsequent age-related brain disorders.'


 The finding arrives only months following independent research that similarly identified specific periods throughout one’s lifespan when the body experiences the majority of aging—thus debunking the notion that this process happens steadily over time.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1vFpsq" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1vFpsq.jpg"/>

 In September, researchers from Stanford University found that age-related alterations such as decreased metabolic rate, aging skin, and heightened susceptibility to illnesses notably spike around ages 44 and 60.


 These alterations might result in gaining weight or experiencing more intense effects from consuming alcohol.


 Dr Michael Snyder, Professor of Genetics at Stanford University and senior author of the study, said: 'People assume everybody's kind of aging gradually. It turns out that most changes are not linear.'


 To offset the impact of these dramatic aging 'waves', the team suggests that people approaching the milestones of 44 and 60 exercise more often and adopt a healthier diet.


 The team analyzed data from repeated collections of blood and stool samples and oral, skin and nasal swabs from 108 healthy people between the ages of 25 and 75 across California over a median period of 1.7 years.


 During analysis, scientists noticed that 81 percent of the observed molecules including proteins and RNA changed in at least one wave.


 The team ultimately concluded substantial dysregulation occurring at two major periods — with the age of 44 causing the biggest shift, and 60 also producing a significant uptick.


 Dr. Steve Hoffmann, a computational biologist at Leibniz Institute on Aging in Germany told the Wall Street Journal: 'These studies probably align very well with the experiences we have ourselves, or heard from others who perceive a sudden decline in physiological fitness.'


 'Identifying and studying these factors should be a priority for future research,' said Dr Xiaotao Shen, a former Stanford Medicine postdoctoral scholar, and now an assistant professor at Nanyang Technological University Singapore.


 In people in their 40s, significant changes were seen in the number of molecules related to alcohol, caffeine and lipid metabolism; as well as shifts in markers related to cardiovascular disease, and skin and muscle aging.


 A similar but less pronounced 'wave' of aging was noted at age 60.


 It's possible some of these changes could be tied to lifestyle or behavioral factors that cluster at these age groups, Dr Snyder said.

Read more

Scientists discover the brain's 3 ageing 'waves' that starts before 60

Unknown aging, brain health, dementia, health and exercise, senior citizens

READ MORE: 4 crucial factors that can protect you from developing dementia Whether you're turning 60, 70 or 80, everyone starts to feel 'old' at very different times. But our brains go…

Could Mid-Dream Waking Be a Sign of Dementia Risk? Discover Why

Unknown alzheimer's disease, brain health, dementia, health, health and exercise

<ul class="mol-bullets-with-font">
 <li class="">
 
 READ MORE:
 Dementia explosion linked to one of America's favorite foods
 
 </li>
</ul>

 Waking up mid-dream could be an early warning sign of dementia, a study suggests.


 People who go into rapid eye movement (REM) sleep - the part of the sleep cycle responsible for dreams and storing memories - later in the night are more prone to or more likely to have dementia.


 The researchers believe this could be because
 REM sleep is crucial for the production of melatonin.
 , which aids in eliminating harmful proteins associated with brain damage.


 According to researchers, one indication that you might be experiencing delayed REM sleep or insufficient amounts of it is frequently waking up during a dream.


 That's why following a night of alcohol consumption
 alcohol
 you're less likely to sleep soundly, as alcohol suppresses REM sleep.


 Dr Yue Leng, associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UCSF, said: 'The delay in REM sleep disrupts the brain's ability to consolidate memories by interfering with the process that contributes to learning and memory.


 'If it is insufficient or delayed, it may increase the stress hormone cortisol. This can impair the brain's hippocampus, a critical structure for memory consolidation.'


 The study comes as dementia kills more than 288,000 Americans every year and affects about 7million.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1xXPFB" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1xXPFB.jpg"/>
<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1xXG9k" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1xXG9k.jpg"/>

 REM follows three phases of non-REM sleep, each deeper than the last.


 The four phases take 90 minutes or more to complete, depending on age, and a person may cycle through them four or five times in a typical night.


 Older people take longer to reach REM.


 In the
 new study
 , researchers from the China-Japan Friendship Hospital have
 Beijing
 monitored the sleep cycles of 128 participants whose average age was 70 years.


 Approximately half were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and around one-third exhibited signs of mild cognitive impairment, which often precedes Alzheimer’s. The remaining participants showed typical cognitive function.


 Scientists monitored their brainwave patterns, ocular movements, heart rate, and respiration throughout the night at the facility.


 They subsequently split the participants into groups based on early and delayed REM sleep stages.


 The early group typically reached REM less than 98 minutes after falling asleep, while the late group took more than 193 minutes.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1xXPFE" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1xXPFE.jpg"/>

 Those with Alzheimer’s were more likely to have delayed REM sleep, 16 percent more amyloid and 29 percent more tau than those with early REM sleep.


 These are toxic proteins that clump together in the brain to form plaques in nerve cells, disrupting normal communication and killing them off.


 Previous research on mice has suggested melatonin can boost REM sleep and decreases tau and amyloid accumulation.


 Other drugs that treat insomnia by blocking a chemical that suppresses REM sleep have also been shown to decrease tau and amyloid.


 The scientists suggested that people who are concerned about their Alzheimer's risk should 'practice healthy sleep habits' that help shift from light to REM sleep.


 Dr Dantao Peng, an expert in neurology at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital and study senior author, added: 'This includes treating conditions like sleep apnea and avoiding heavy drinking, since both can interfere with a healthy sleep cycle.


 'Patients taking certain antidepressants and sedatives that reduce REM sleep should discuss their concerns with their doctor, if they are worried about Alzheimer's.'

Read more

Could Mid-Dream Waking Be a Sign of Dementia Risk? Discover Why

Unknown alzheimer's disease, brain health, dementia, health, health and exercise

READ MORE: Dementia explosion linked to one of America's favorite foods Waking up mid-dream could be an early warning sign of dementia, a study suggests. People who go into rapid ey…

Brain Benefits from Exercise Last Even Longer: Feel the Impact the Next Day!

Unknown brain health, exercise, health, health and exercise, health benefits

Most of us know how strenuous exercise can result in aching limbs the following day.


 But now scientists have discovered that the benefits to the brain can also be felt a day later.


 University College
 London
 (UCL) researchers found that the short-term boost our brains get after we do exercise persists throughout the following day.


 Those who did more moderate to vigorous physical activity than usual on a given day did better in memory tests the day after.


 Experts said the improvements could be achieved by something as simple as running up the stairs.


 In the short term, exercise increases blood flow to the brain and stimulates the release of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine which help a range of cognitive functions.


 These neurochemical changes are understood to last up to a few hours after exercise.


 However, other studies have shown brain states linked to exercise were more long-lasting, with evidence suggesting exercise can enhance mood for up to 24 hours.


 Participants, aged 50 to 83, wore activity trackers for eight days and took cognitive tests each day.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1vz5xb" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1vz5xb.jpg"/>
<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1vz5xc" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1vz5xc.jpg"/>

 Scientists analysed how long they spent being sedentary, doing light physical activity, and doing moderate or vigorous physical activity.


 They also quantified sleep duration and time spent in lighter (rapid eye movement, or REM) sleep and deeper, slow-wave sleep.


 After factoring in average levels of activity and sleep, they found that more moderate or vigorous physical activity compared to a person’s average was linked to better working memory and episodic memory (memory of events) the next day.


 These benefits were also felt by people who spent less time spent sitting and had six hours or more of sleep.


 More sleep overall was linked to improved episodic and working memory and psychomotor speed, a measure of how quickly a person detects and responds to the environment.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1vz844" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1vz844.jpg"/>

 Those who had the most slow-wave - deep, restorative sleep - had better episodic memory, according to the findings published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.


 Conversely, more time spent being sedentary than usual was linked to worse working memory the next day.


 Dr Mikaela Bloomberg, of UCL, said: ‘Our findings suggest that the short-term memory benefits of physical activity may last longer than previously thought, possibly to the next day instead of just the few hours after exercise. Getting more sleep, particularly deep sleep, seems to add to this memory improvement.


 ‘Moderate or vigorous activity means anything that gets your heart rate up – this could be brisk walking, dancing or walking up a few flights of stairs. It doesn’t have to be structured exercise.


 ‘This was a small study and so it needs to be replicated with a larger sample of participants before we can be certain about the results.’

Read more

Brain Benefits from Exercise Last Even Longer: Feel the Impact the Next Day!

Unknown brain health, exercise, health, health and exercise, health benefits

Most of us know how strenuous exercise can result in aching limbs the following day. But now scientists have discovered that the benefits to the brain can also be felt a day later. University Coll…

While Alzheimer's Might Seem Out of Your Hands, There Are a Few Risk Factors You Might Be Able To Control

Unknown alzheimer's disease, brain health, dementia, medical conditions and diseases, neurodegenerative diseases

<a href="https://christinebryden.com/about-christine/">
 Christine Bryden
 </a>
 was gobsmacked in 1995, when doctors
 <a href="https://www.womansworld.com/aging/alzheimers/statistics-surrounding-alzheimers">
 diagnosed
 </a>
 her with Alzheimer's. Only a year before, the 46-year-old biochemist had won Australia's Public Service Medal for outstanding work in science and technology. "Life was up for me," she writes on the YoungDementia UK website. "But on that fateful afternoon, everything changed, and I felt cut down in my prime."


 As she looked back, Bryden began to believe her diagnosis was somehow connected to her lifestyle. She never got enough sleep. She worked all the time. Her stress levels were stratospheric. At night she came home "with a pile of work," which she dove into after rushing to get her young daughters settled for the night. The next morning, Bryden woke up, worked some more, then got her daughters ready for the day.

<h2>
 Looking at her lifestyle
</h2>

 "Maybe a lack of sleep damaged my brain to some extent. But also, a high level of stress may have contributed to my brain damage," she writes. Bryden might not be that far off. Although doctors have been treating Alzheimer's for decades, they are still stymied as to its exact causes. For the most part, scientists believe the disease is
 <a href="https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-causes-alzheimers-disease#:~:text=The%20causes%20probably%20include%20a,differ%20from%20person%20to%20person.">
 triggered by a number of genetic and lifestyle factors
 </a>
 . Each impacts the brain over time. While people cannot change how old they are or the genes they are born with, they
 
 can
 
 change how they live. For starters, they can quit smoking and start eating more healthful foods. They can exercise more and lose weight. They can drink less and stimulate their minds more.


 A risk factor is just that - something that increases a person's risk, or chances, of developing some type of medical condition. Some risk factors, like age, are "non-modifiable," which means they cannot be prevented. Others, however, may be able to change with certain lifestyle habits. Here, a look at some of the most commonly known risk factors for
 <a href="https://www.womansworld.com/aging/alzheimers/the-stages-of-alzheimers">
 Alzheimer's disease
 </a>
 and what - if anything - you may be able to do about them.

<a href="https://www.womansworld.com/wellness/mental-health/nearly-half-of-dementia-cases-are-preventable-read-report">
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1rd7Fq" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1rd7Fq.jpg"/>
</a>
<a href="https://www.womansworld.com/wellness/mental-health/nearly-half-of-dementia-cases-are-preventable-read-report">
 Wellness
</a>
<h3>
 <a href="https://www.womansworld.com/wellness/mental-health/nearly-half-of-dementia-cases-are-preventable-read-report">
 
 Nearly Half of Dementia Cases Are Preventable-See the 2024 Report Highlights
 
 </a>
</h3>
In 2022, 2.3 million U.S. adults aged 65 and older were diagnosed with dementia, increasing concerns among at-risk seniors about prevention. The 2024 Lancet dementia report identified 14 key risk factors, plus two new ones, suggesting that 45 percent of dementia cases could be preventable with lifelong intervention. Read the full story to discover how […]
<h2>
 Non-modifiable risk factors
</h2>
<h3>
 Age
</h3>

 While certain memory loss is normal as we age, Alzheimer's is not. Experts say that between the ages of 65 and 70, the prevalence of AD is 1.5 percent. That means 15 out of every 1,000 people will get the disease by that point in their life. Those odds increase with each year. By the time we reach 75, the prevalence more than doubles, to 3.5 percent, or 35 out of every 1,000. By the time we hit 80, the prevalence of AD increases to 6.8 percent. As we approach our 100th birthday, the percentage skyrockets to 44.5 percent.

<h3>
 Family history
</h3>

 Whether we get Alzheimer's disease may have to do with our genetics. Researchers say that if one parent or sibling has the disease,
 <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/alzheimers-in-the-family#:~:text=Family%20history%20by%20the%20numbers,hike%20in%20your%20existing%20risk.">
 your risk increases by about 30 percent
 </a>
 . And there's also a greater chance of developing AD if both parents are afflicted.

<h3>
 Ethnicity
</h3>

 <a href="https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2023/02/alzheimers-genetics.html">
 Some studies suggest
 </a>
 that ethnic minorities, especially African Americans, have higher rates of dementia than Caucasians. Scientists recently identified two new genes in African Americans that may increase the risk. One of the genes,
 <a href="https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/gene-variant-linked-higher-risk-alzheimers-african-americans">
 ABCA7, works to produce cholesterol and lipids
 </a>
 . Some researchers believe that Alzheimer's may involve abnormalities in how our bodies metabolize fat. Other factors, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, may also play a role among older African Americans and Latinos. It's also possible that
 <a href="https://aaic.alz.org/releases_2022/lower-socioeconomic-dementia-risk.asp">
 lower incomes and limited educational opportunities
 </a>
 due to systemic discrimination against both groups contribute to the disease's progression.

<h3>
 Brain injury
</h3>

 Researchers believe a
 <a href="https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/related_conditions/traumatic-brain-injury">
 traumatic brain injury increases the risk of Alzheimer's
 </a>
 and other forms of dementia.
 <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1173459/">
 One study found
 </a>
 that older adults who have had moderate traumatic brain injury (lost consciousness for more than 30 minutes) are 2.3 times more likely to develop AD than seniors who have not had a head injury. Seniors who have had severe brain injury (lost consciousness for more than 24 hours) are 4.5 times more likely to develop AD. Obviously, not everyone who experiences a head injury develops Alzheimer's or some other type of dementia. Moreover, there is no evidence indicating that a mild brain injury increases the risk.

<a href="https://www.womansworld.com/wellness/do-genes-cause-alzheimers">
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1u2mUx" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1u2mUx.jpg"/>
</a>
<a href="https://www.womansworld.com/wellness/do-genes-cause-alzheimers">
 Wellness
</a>
<h3>
 <a href="https://www.womansworld.com/wellness/do-genes-cause-alzheimers">
 
 Does Alzheimer's Run In the Family? Here's What Doctors Know About the Gene Factor - And What They Don't
 
 </a>
</h3>
Understand the link.
<h2>
 Modifiable risk factors
</h2>
<h3>
 Heart health
</h3>

 When it comes to Alzheimer's, what's bad for your heart is bad for your brain. Researchers believe that cardiovascular problems are linked to the progression of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia later in life. A
 <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28783817/">
 study published in 2017 by researchers at Johns Hopkins University
 </a>
 tracked nearly 16,000 middle-aged people in four states. Over a 25-year span, from 1987, researchers administered a variety of medical, memory, and cognitive tests. As the study progressed, 1,500 people were diagnosed with dementia, confirming that those with midlife vascular risk factors, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, had a greater chance of developing dementia. Moreover, the researchers confirmed what other studies had only hinted - smoking cigarettes increased the risk of dementia.

<h3>
 Alcohol use
</h3>

 For years scientists have been investigating if alcohol use is related to Alzheimer's. One study, amazingly, found that drinking up to three glasses of wine a day lowered the risk of Alzheimer's, but
 
 only in people who have the APOE e4 gene
 
 .
 <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3865814/">
 Other studies
 </a>
 have also described the beneficial effects of low to moderate wine consumption. As much as researchers can decipher, low to moderate drinking actually protects the brain by reducing the viscosity, or thickness, of blood and increasing the amount of good cholesterol, known as HDL, in the body.


 That said, two major reviews of multiple research studies found that
 <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6320619/">
 heavy drinkers and binge drinkers were more likely to develop AD and other forms of dementia
 </a>
 than those who drank moderately. Binge drinking, according to the
 <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/binge-drinking.htm">
 Centers for Disease Control
 </a>
 and Prevention, is when men consume five or more drinks in about two hours and women imbibe four or more in that same period.

<a href="https://www.womansworld.com/aging/brain/how-alzheimers-affects-your-brain">
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1u2D9h" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1u2D9h.jpg"/>
</a>
<a href="https://www.womansworld.com/aging/brain/how-alzheimers-affects-your-brain">
 Aging
</a>
<h3>
 <a href="https://www.womansworld.com/aging/brain/how-alzheimers-affects-your-brain">
 
 What Really Happens to a Brain With Alzheimer's? Onset, Effects, and Scientific Findings Explained
 
 </a>
</h3>
An attack on the body's main control center.
<h3>
 Obesity
</h3>

 Obesity causes a variety of ills, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and other cardiovascular issues. It also seems to be a major factor in AD, doubling a person's
 <a href="https://www.womansworld.com/aging/brain/how-alzheimers-affects-your-brain">
 risk of developing amyloid plaque
 </a>
 - the bogeyman of Alzheimer's - later in life. Past research on how people's weight influences their risk of dementia has produced conflicting results.
 <a href="https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/overweight-linked-increased-risk-dementia/">
 Some studies say
 </a>
 that if you're obese, you're at a high risk for dementia.
 <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25866264/">
 Other studies
 </a>
 , however, have linked lower-than-average weight to increased dementia.


 In 2017, however, researchers put nearly all questions regarding obesity and Alzheimer's to rest.
 <a href="https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/high-bmi-linked-increased-risk-dementia-later-life/">
 A 38-year study of 1.3 million adults
 </a>
 living in the United States and Europe concluded that individuals with a high body mass index (BMI) are more likely to develop Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia than those who have a normal body weight.


 In that same study, scientists found that people with early-onset dementia and a low BMI go on to develop full-blown dementia more often than those who are of a healthy weight. The reason, researchers concluded, is that both obesity and a low body weight during the pre-dementia stage change how the body metabolizes fat. The study suggests that maintaining a healthy weight could prevent the illness - or at least stave off its effects.

<h2>
 How lifestyle may make a difference
</h2>

 In 2017, researchers in Great Britain announced that changing how you live may throw up a roadblock in the path of Alzheimer's disease. And while there are no proven ways to permanently stave off AD, they note that some changes in lifestyle might slow its progression.


 The study, conducted by the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care, looked at nine risk factors. It concluded that more than one-third of all Alzheimer's cases are related to these risk factors and that avoiding them at every stage of life may delay or even stop memory loss. The researchers reached their conclusions by looking at a number of past Alzheimer's Disease studies. Their statistical analysis found that 35 percent of dementia cases could be prevented by fully addressing these and several other contributing lifestyle issues. Researchers noted that combating Alzheimer's needs to begin early - as soon as children start going to school.


 The less time a child spends in school, the greater the risk of developing Alzheimer's later in life. In fact, the researchers found that children who had no secondary schooling had a 7.5 percent increased risk of developing Alzheimer's. That's why the researchers recommend that students stay in school until they reach the age of 15.

<a href="https://www.womansworld.com/aging/brain/experts-share-6-easy-brain-boosting-memory-enhancing-tips-youll-want-to-try">
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1u2hCV" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1u2hCV.jpg"/>
</a>
<a href="https://www.womansworld.com/aging/brain/experts-share-6-easy-brain-boosting-memory-enhancing-tips-youll-want-to-try">
 Aging
</a>
<h3>
 <a href="https://www.womansworld.com/aging/brain/experts-share-6-easy-brain-boosting-memory-enhancing-tips-youll-want-to-try">
 
 Experts Share 6 Easy Brain-Boosting, Memory-Enhancing Tips You'll Want to Try!
 
 </a>
</h3>
From the "smartest" foods (hint: SMASH!) to the fun tricks that'll help you recall people's names, experts share memory-boosting tips!
<h3>
 Lifestyle changes
</h3>

 The study also recommends that people, regardless of their age, exercise more, stop smoking, become more involved socially, reduce their weight, and manage their depression. "Although dementia is diagnosed in later life, the brain changes usually begin to develop years before, with risk factors for developing the disease occurring throughout life, not just in old age," said lead study author
 <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/psychiatry/people/livingston-g">
 Gill Livingston, Ph.D.
 </a>
 , professor of psychiatry of older people at the University College London. "We believe that a broader approach to prevention of dementia, which reflects these changing risk factors, will benefit our aging societies and help to prevent the rising number of dementia cases globally."


 The study was provocative, because researchers based their conclusions on a statistical analysis of previous studies rather than patient research. A similar study in the US was a bit more circumspect, concluding that perhaps a few lifestyle changes can bolster brain health, although the study offered no definitive proof that they would. Yet scientists are so intrigued with the lifestyle component that the
 <a href="https://aaic.alz.org/releases_2017/AAIC17-Thurs-overview-recap.asp">
 Alzheimer's Association in 2017 launched a $20 million clinical trial
 </a>
 with 2,500 people to see whether lifestyle changes can prevent cognitive decline and dementia.


 While lifestyle changes help some people, they might not help others. That's because there are myriad reasons that some people get Alzheimer's and others do not. One reason is genetics, especially in early-onset cases. People who suffer from late-onset Alzheimer's (in which symptoms become apparent in a person's mid-60s) do so because of a series of complex brain changes that occur over decades. There is consensus among researchers that genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors all play a role.

<h2>
 How to keep your mind sharp and ward off Alzheimer's risks
</h2>
<h3>
 Have an extra cuppa
</h3>

 Turns out coffee packs a boatload of brain-boosting nutrients. Research published in BMJ found that adults who regularly drink three to four cups of caffeinated coffee a day have a lower risk of Alzheimer's and other cognitive dysfunction. That's thanks to coffee's combo of brain-supporting antioxidants and caffeine, which can increase alertness and sharpen concentration both in the moment and in the long run.

<h3>
 Take a hike
</h3>

 A study in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that planned, structured and repetitive exercise, such as a daily walk around the block, slows cognitive decline. Exercise improves blood flow and increases noradrenaline, a chemical that transmits nerve signals in the brain. To get the benefit, walk 30 minutes per day at least three days a week.

<a href="https://www.womansworld.com/wellness/gut-microbiome-and-alzheimers-the-link-between-your-gut-and-brain">
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1qYeS6" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1qYeS6.jpg"/>
</a>
<a href="https://www.womansworld.com/wellness/gut-microbiome-and-alzheimers-the-link-between-your-gut-and-brain">
 Wellness
</a>
<h3>
 <a href="https://www.womansworld.com/wellness/gut-microbiome-and-alzheimers-the-link-between-your-gut-and-brain">
 
 The Gut Microbiome May Play a Role in Your Alzheimer's Risk: MD Explains
 
 </a>
</h3>
Find out how to nourish your gut and potentially help reduce the risk of memory loss as you age
<h3>
 Savor tuna salad
</h3>

 Omega-3 fatty acids help build brain and nerve cells. And studies have shown that omega-3s can help prevent Alzheimer's and other age-related cognitive decline too. Fatty fish such as salmon, albacore tuna, herring and sardines are a great source of omega-3s-aim to eat at least 8 oz. of fish per week.

<h3>
 Sleep easy
</h3>

 An analysis of more than 50 trials found that taking at least 3 mg of melatonin daily for six to 12 months improved cognitive function. The sleep hormone helps promote sound rest that benefits brain health, plus it reduces oxidative stress, a major contributor to brain aging.


 
 A version of this article appeared in our partner magazine Alzheimer's: New Hope for a Cure, in 2020, as well as Woman's World in 2024.
 


 
 Keep scrolling for more:
 


 <a href="https://www.womansworld.com/aging/falls-may-increase-dementia-risk-how-to-prevent-them">
 
 Falls Could Increase Dementia Risk, Study Says-Here's How To Prevent Them
 
 </a>


 <a href="https://www.womansworld.com/life/healing-with-music-police-officers-gift-to-alzheimers-patients">
 
 Meet the Police Officer Who Uses His Violin to Bring Comfort to Dementia Patients and Alzheimer's Communities
 
 </a>


 <a href="https://www.womansworld.com/wellness/study-reveals-link-between-gut-health-and-parkinsons-risk-over-time">
 
 New Study Links Gut Health With Parkinson's Risk-Plus One GI Symptom That Could Be an Early Sign
 
 </a>

While Alzheimer's Might Seem Out of Your Hands, There Are a Few Risk Factors You Might Be Able To Control

Unknown alzheimer's disease, brain health, dementia, medical conditions and diseases, neurodegenerative diseases

Christine Bryden was gobsmacked in 1995, when doctors diagnosed her with Alzheimer's. Only a year before, the 46-year-old biochemist had won Australia's Public Service Medal for outstan…

Experts reveal the seven odd behaviors linked to a high IQ

Unknown brain health, culture, personality types, psychology, psychology of everyday life

<ul class="mol-bullets-with-font">
 <li class="">
 
 READ MORE:
 <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-13659215/IQ-test-Yale-math-questions.html">
 Only 20% of Harvard students aced this three-question IQ test
 </a>
 
 </li>
</ul>

 Some of the greatest minds, such as Albert Einstein and Charles Darwin, exhibited strange behaviors like solitude and burning the midnight oil.


 And while the world may have found those habits as odd, numerous studies have linked them to having high IQs.


 That is because
 
 our daily practices have a big impact on our intelligence - and can even change the way we think.
 


 
 And
 <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3519065/What-does-music-taste-say-online-quiz-caring-sociable-obsessive-stickler-rules.html">
 psychologists have pinpointed
 </a>
 at least seven strange behaviors that they believe are signs of a genius.
 

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1oIZ4I" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1oIZ4I.jpg"/>
<h2 class="mol-para-with-font mol-style-subhead">
 
 
 1. Talking to yourself
 
 
</h2>

 
 If you talk to yourself, you're not crazy. It may actually be a sign that you're smarter than the average person.
 


 
 Even though this behavior is somewhat irrational, a growing body of evidence has suggested that it has big cognitive benefits - including better memory recall, confidence, focus and more.
 


 In a 2012 study, a team of American researchers showed participants 20 pictures of various objects and asked them to find a a specific one.


 Scientists found that people who talked to themselves while looking at the images were able to identify the object faster.


 Another study, conducted in 2017 by UK researchers, discovered that our brains act much like those of monkeys when we stop talking to ourselves - activating separate visual and sound areas of the brain for each task.


 In the experiment, researchers asked participants to repeat meaningless sounds out loud, such as 'blah-blah-blah,' while performing visual and sound tasks.


 'Because we cannot say two things at the same time, muttering these sounds made participants unable to tell themselves what to do in each task,' Paloma Mari-Beffa, senior lecturer at Bangor University, wrote in
 <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-talking-to-yourself-a-sign-of-mental-illness-an-expert-delivers-her-verdict-77058">
 The Conversation
 </a>
 .


 'Under these circumstances, humans behaved like monkeys do, activating separate visual and sound areas of the brain for each task.'


 So the next time you're caught muttering to yourself, don't be embarrassed. That strange habit is helping you process information and stay sharp.

<h2 class="mol-para-with-font mol-style-subhead">
 
 
 2. Staying up late
 
 
</h2>

 
 The early bird may get the worm, but evidence has suggested that night owls actually have higher IQs.
 


 
 <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13620635/Night-owls-sharper-brain-function-morning-people.html">
 A study, published in January, analyzed
 </a>
 data from 26,000 adults, finding those who stay up late scored significantly higher on cognitive tests than early risers.
 

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1oIX5B" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1oIX5B.jpg"/>

 
 Night owls scored about 13.5 percent  higher than morning types in one group and 7.5 percent higher than morning types in another group.
 


 
 Many brilliant minds have been known to have nocturnal habits, including Darwin and Marcel Proust.
 


 
 If your mind is most active while the rest of the world sleeps, you may have a high IQ.
 

<h2 class="mol-para-with-font mol-style-subhead">
 
 
 
 3.  Daydreaming
 
 
 
</h2>

 
 
 Getting lost in daydreams is often perceived as absent-mindedness. But scientists have said that this is actually a sign that you're smart and creative.
 
 


 
 
 'People with efficient brains may have too much brain capacity to stop their minds from wandering,' said Eric Schumacher, a Georgia Tech associate psychology professor, said in a statement.
 
 


 
 
 His research found that people who report more frequent daydreaming score higher on intellectual and creative ability tests.
 
 


 
 
 MRI scans also showed that these people had more efficient brain systems.
 
 


 
 
 This evidence suggests that daydreaming is actually a great workout for your brain. So if you find your mind wandering, that's a good sign.
 
 

<h2 class="mol-para-with-font mol-style-subhead">
 
 
 
 
 4. Thriving in clutter
 
 
 
 
</h2>

 
 
 
 Some people can't stand a messy room or desk. But the highly intelligent don't seem to mind it - or perhaps even prefer it.
 
 
 


 
 
 
 A team of researchers set out to determine why that is. They put study participants in either a messy or tidy office space and asked them to come up with new uses for ping pong balls.
 
 
 


 
 
 
 Though both groups came up with a similar number of ideas, the researchers found that the participants in the messy room came up with more creative and interesting ideas.
 
 
 


 
 
 
 'Disorderly environments seem to inspire breaking free of tradition, which can produce fresh insights,' said Kathleen Vohs, lead scientist behind the experiment, in a press release.
 
 
 

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1oIPBa" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1oIPBa.jpg"/>

 
 
 
 'Orderly environments, in contrast, encourage convention and playing it safe.'
 
 
 


 
 
 
 So, leaving your space untidy may help you think outside the box.
 
 
 

<h2 class="mol-para-with-font mol-style-subhead">
 
 
 
 
 
 5. Asking lots of questions
 
 
 
 
 
</h2>

 
 
 
 
 If you're constantly asking how things work, where they come from, and dozens of other questions that pop into your head, you're probably highly intelligent.
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 Curiosity is one of the most common signs of brightness. It's a sign that your mind is always seeking to understand the world around you.
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 It also means that you're always learning and storing new information. The more questions you ask, the more your understanding expands.
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 To some, it may seem annoying. But for people with high IQs, this insatiable curiosity is natural.
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 As Einstein once said, 'I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.'
 
 
 
 

<h2 class="mol-para-with-font mol-style-subhead">
 
 
 
 
 
 
 6. Being introverted
 
 
 
 
 
 
</h2>

 
 
 
 
 
 Many geniuses have been known to hide themselves away to work or think in peace and quiet.
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 It makes sense - it can be difficult to focus while surrounded by the constant chatter and stimulation of a social environment.
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 Plus, studies have shown that introverts tend to engage in deeper cognitive processing than extroverts. They tend to think more thoroughly and critically, which can be associated with a higher IQ.
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 Introverts also tend to prefer activities that require concentration and sustained mental effort, such as reading and research, which can foster intellectual development.
 
 
 
 
 

<h2 class="mol-para-with-font mol-style-subhead">
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 7. Devouring books
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
</h2>

 
 
 
 
 
 
 Avid readers are constantly learning new information, vocabulary words, complex ideas and different perspectives. It's like a workout for the mind.
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 Additionally, reading helps strengthen mental focus, imagination and our ability to empathize with others.
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 People who read a lot are constantly developing their intelligence, which means they're more likely to have a high IQ.
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 Take business mogul and investor Warren Buffet for example. He spends almost eight hours a day reading.
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 So if you constantly have your nose in a book, you're actually getting smarter by the page.
 
 
 
 
 
 

<a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-13736895/Experts-reveal-seven-odd-behaviors-linked-high-IQ.html">
 Read more
</a>

Experts reveal the seven odd behaviors linked to a high IQ

Unknown brain health, culture, personality types, psychology, psychology of everyday life

READ MORE: Only 20% of Harvard students aced this three-question IQ test Some of the greatest minds, such as Albert Einstein and Charles Darwin, exhibited strange behaviors …