June 22, 2011

Medical researchers say the smoke has cleared, and that explains a big drop in the number of ear infections in children. The 30% decline in the number of children’s ear infections over the past 15 years is being linked in part to a decrease in smoking by parents. Other factors include more vaccinations against a bacteria that causes ear infections and more breast feeding that boosts natural immunities. Source Link

Want to get a leg-up against Alzheimer’s? Learn a second language. A new study says bilingual people who suffer from Alzheimer’s function better than those with the same level of impairment who only speak one language. Researchers think the kind of brain activity associated with knowing two languages keeps the mind more nimble and able to overcome some of the effects of dementia. Source Link

Lacing-up those walking shoes could be the first step to a better memory. A new study shows that walking for 40 minutes three times a week can improve memory in adults 55 and older and help prevent mental decline. Researchers say moderate exercise helps the memory processing section of the brain to expand and offset shrinkage that occurs as we age. Source Link