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Neuroscience news 2024: Brain rot, blue zones debunked & dementia discoveries
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The understanding of brain health took some fascinating twists and turns in 2024, with brain research UK scientists making incredible discoveries that changed how they think about keeping your minds sharp. From highlighting the trends and discovering which food supports cognitive health to debunking long-held myths, these neuroscience news are reshaping the understanding of how to maintain brain health throughout your life. Let’s take a look at the top 5 brain health discoveries and trends from 2024!
1. The “great” Blue Zones debunked: What is the controversy with the Blue Zones project?
The year's most controversial story on Blue Zones highlights issues in research integrity. It emerged when UCL researcher Dr Saul Justin Newman won the Ig Nobel Prize for debunking the famous "Blue Zones" concept[1 Trusted Source 2024 - bioRxiv Human study Supercentenarian and remarkable age records exhibit patterns indicative of clerical errors and pension fraud ] ,[2 Trusted Source 2024 - UCL 3rd-party source UCL demographer’s work debunking ‘Blue Zone’ regions of exceptional lifespans wins Ig Nobel prize ] . What are the Blue Zones? In 2005, Dan Buettner, a New York Times best-seller published his findings on the communities with the healthiest people in the world and named these five areas the Blue Zones. The Blue Zones longevity formula was supposed to include the so-called Blue Zones diet and their lifestyle. 19 years later, Dr Newman’s research revealed that longevity statistics are often impacted by poor record-keeping and pension fraud rather than lifestyle factors[1 Trusted Source 2024 - bioRxiv Human study Supercentenarian and remarkable age records exhibit patterns indicative of clerical errors and pension fraud ] . Many centenarians in Blue Zones - certain regions in Greece, Italy, Japan, Costa Rica and the US - that were alive in the government records were in reality deceased[1 Trusted Source 2024 - bioRxiv Human study Supercentenarian and remarkable age records exhibit patterns indicative of clerical errors and pension fraud ] . Using extensive government data and surveys, Dr Newman showed that most of the dietary and lifestyle claims behind the so-called ‘Blue Zone’ regions of high longevity are unsupported by any independent data[1 Trusted Source 2024 - bioRxiv Human study Supercentenarian and remarkable age records exhibit patterns indicative of clerical errors and pension fraud ] ]. This brings the research standard of Blue Zones into question with the integrity, honesty, and responsibility of the researchers taken under scrutiny. Even though Blue Zones are a myth, a healthy diet does support longevity. Here’s what researchers found about the brain benefits of eggs in 2024.
2. Protect your brain with your diet: What is the number one food that fights dementia?
While the evidence for the best food for the brain is still unclear, a groundbreaking study brought good news for egg lovers. Are eggs good for the brain? Research involving 1,024 older adults showed that consuming more than one egg per week was associated with a 47% lower risk of Alzheimer's dementia[3 Trusted Source 2024 - The Journal of nutrition Human study Association of Egg Intake With Alzheimer's Dementia Risk in Older Adults: The Rush Memory and Aging Project ] . Do eggs improve brain function? The protective effect from eggs actually appears to be down to the amount of dietary nutrient in eggs called choline which is the building block of your memory and learning chemical acetylcholine. The study found that 39% of the benefit came from this essential nutrient. This is your sign to opt for a savoury breakfast and add an egg to it. Alternatively, you can opt for a potent form of choline called Alpha GPC in a supplementation form. It’s an ideal nootropic for anyone in a mentally strenuous role, including students, professionals studying for exams, or those seeking a vegan choline supplement. brain feed developed the world’s 1st 500 mg Alpha GPC capsules containing 99% Alpha GPC.
Other factors besides food impact your brain health. Let’s take a look at the latest findings that were presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference.
3. 45% of dementia cases are down to 14 factors
A landmark report by 27 dementia specialists revealed what causes dementia worldwide[4 Trusted Source 2024 - The Lancet 3rd-party source Dementia prevention, intervention, and care 2024 ] . A risk factor is something that affects the likelihood of something happening to us, for example, developing a condition like dementia. Some factors are out of your control like age and the genes that you’ve inherited. Other factors can be modified either by yourself or policymakers such as the government. Reviewing the latest evidence on it, researchers have now established 14 factors that affect your risk of developing dementia[4 Trusted Source 2024 - The Lancet 3rd-party source Dementia prevention, intervention, and care 2024 ] :
- quality of education in early life,
- social isolation,
- air pollution,
- traumatic brain injury,
- hearing loss,
- depression,
- high blood pressure,
- diabetes,
- obesity,
- physical inactivity,
- smoking,
- excessive alcohol consumption,
- uncorrected vision loss and
- high cholesterol.
The researchers have concluded that if these 14 health and lifestyle factors could be completely addressed, this could prevent or delay nearly half (45%) of dementia cases[4 Trusted Source 2024 - The Lancet 3rd-party source Dementia prevention, intervention, and care 2024 ] ,[5 Trusted Source 2024 - Alzheimer’s Research UK 3rd-party source Addressing 14 health and lifestyle factors could prevent nearly half of global dementia cases ] .
With changes in society’s lifestyle, additional risk factors are expected to be defined in the upcoming years. Here’s a potential one.
4. Brain health word of 2024: brain rot
Oxford University Press has chosen brain rot as its Word of the Year in 2024, after more than 37,000 people participated in a public vote[6 Trusted Source 2024 - Oxford University Press 3rd-party source ‘Brain rot’ named Oxford Word of the Year 2024 ] . The term saw a dramatic 230% increase in usage from 2023 to 2024[6 Trusted Source 2024 - Oxford University Press 3rd-party source ‘Brain rot’ named Oxford Word of the Year 2024 ] . What is brain rot? It describes both low-quality online content and its perceived negative effects like decreased productivity and mental fatigue when you consume too much of it[6 Trusted Source 2024 - Oxford University Press 3rd-party source ‘Brain rot’ named Oxford Word of the Year 2024 ] . While the term first appeared in Henry David Thoreau's "Walden" in 1854, it has taken on new life in today’s digital age. The term has become especially popular among younger generations on platforms like TikTok, often used with a touch of humour when referring to viral content and has evolved beyond just internet slang. Some U.S. mental health centres like the Newport Institute are offering guidance on how to recognize and avoid it[7 Trusted Source Newport Institute 3rd-party source Brain Rot: The Impact on Young Adult Mental Health ] . Wondering why? A study on 5314 participants from 2023 found a link between social networks and cognitive failures[8 Trusted Source 2023 - BMC psychiatry Human study Social media use and everyday cognitive failure: investigating the fear of missing out and social networks use disorder relationship ] . To support your cognitive health, opt for brain training instead of brain rotting. Let’s take a look at what the effect of it was in 2024.
5. How has brain health changed in this year?
Muse, a company that offers brain training headbands that support brain health and sleep, has surveyed 5000 adults. Their brain health report revealed 2024 trends in Americans' brain wellness[9 Trusted Source 2024 - Muse 3rd-party source State of Brain Health in America. 2024 Muse Brain Health Report ] . An interesting pattern was detected. Millennials reported the highest brain health scores, while Gen-Z reported more struggles, particularly with stress, loneliness, and burnout[9 Trusted Source 2024 - Muse 3rd-party source State of Brain Health in America. 2024 Muse Brain Health Report ] . They also discovered that a whopping 40% of Americans suspect they have an undiagnosed brain health condition, with anxiety (20%) and depression (19%) being the most commonly suspected issues[9 Trusted Source 2024 - Muse 3rd-party source State of Brain Health in America. 2024 Muse Brain Health Report ] . Luckily, the report also highlighted how people are managing their brain health. How do I improve my brain health?
The report highlights that healthy eating stands out as the most impactful activity, while social interaction and leisure activities also contribute[9 Trusted Source 2024 - Muse 3rd-party source State of Brain Health in America. 2024 Muse Brain Health Report ] . Daily meditation also showed remarkable benefits, with millennials who meditate consistently experiencing a 24% improvement in their brain health scores[9 Trusted Source 2024 - Muse 3rd-party source State of Brain Health in America. 2024 Muse Brain Health Report ] . The report also found that digital wellness tools for brain training are becoming increasingly popular[9 Trusted Source 2024 - Muse 3rd-party source State of Brain Health in America. 2024 Muse Brain Health Report ] . What is the best brain training method? While the jury is still out there on which is the best one, 21% of people use brain training apps like CogniFit to enhance their cognitive abilities[9 Trusted Source 2024 - Muse 3rd-party source State of Brain Health in America. 2024 Muse Brain Health Report ] .
Looking ahead: What 2025 holds for brain health breakthroughs
While there are tens of thousands of new studies getting conducted in 2025 when it comes to brain research, UK and other global researchers are going to finally be able to share their findings after sometimes years-long research in the new year. From omega 3 to choline, they’re looking for proof that these interventions positively affect brain health and different mental health conditions. One of the studies that has been completed this year looked at the effect of a potent choline form Alpha GPC on cognitive performance in 20 healthy men[10 Trusted Source Clinical Trials 3rd-party source Effects of Alpha-GPC on Muscle Power, GH Levels, and Cognitive Function ] . Another looked at how maternal omega 3 supplementation, specifically DHA which is known for its effects on the brain, affects maternal and infant mental health such as perceived stress, depression and brain development[11 Trusted Source Clinical Trials 3rd-party source Improving Maternal and Child Health Through Prenatal Fatty Acid Supplementation (NAPS) ] . There are thousands of studies addressing the gaps in dementia and Alzheimer’s - from interventions to medications and even brain training apps. Given it’s clear that scientists are trying to address the gaps in human health, it’ll be interesting to see what they find.
Equipped with knowledge of new trends and discoveries, enter 2025 with a new year’s resolution “I’m taking care of my brain health this year”.
References
[1] Newman, C.J. (2024). Supercentenarian and remarkable age records exhibit patterns indicative of clerical errors and pension fraud. bioRxiv. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/704080v3
[2] UCL demographer’s work debunking ‘Blue Zone’ regions of exceptional lifespans wins Ig Nobel prize (2024). UCL.
[3] Pan, Y., Wallace, T. C., Karosas, T., Bennett, D. A., Agarwal, P., & Chung, M. (2024). Association of Egg Intake With Alzheimer's Dementia Risk in Older Adults: The Rush Memory and Aging Project. The Journal of nutrition, 154(7), 2236–2243. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S002231662400289X
[4] Dementia prevention, intervention, and care 2024 (2024). The Lancet. https://www.thelancet.com/commissions/dementia-prevention-intervention-care?dgcid=tlcom_infographic_demetia-risks-24_lancet
[5] Addressing 14 health and lifestyle factors could prevent nearly half of global dementia cases (2024). Alzheimer’s Research UK. https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/news/nearly-half-of-global-dementia-cases-could-be-prevented-or-delayed-by-addressing-14-health-and-lifestyle-factors-says-new-report/
[6] ‘Brain rot’ named Oxford Word of the Year 2024 (2024). Oxford University Press. https://corp.oup.com/news/brain-rot-named-oxford-word-of-the-year-2024/
[7] Brain Rot: The Impact on Young Adult Mental Health (n.d.). Newport Institute. https://www.newportinstitute.com/resources/co-occurring-disorders/brain-rot/
[8] Montag, C., & Markett, S. (2023). Social media use and everyday cognitive failure: investigating the fear of missing out and social networks use disorder relationship. BMC psychiatry, 23(1), 872. https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-023-05371-x
[9] State of Brain Health in America. 2024 Muse Brain Health Report (2024). Muse. https://choosemuse.com/pages/brain-health-report
[10] Effects of Alpha-GPC on Muscle Power, GH Levels, and Cognitive Function (n.d.). Clinical Trials. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06690619
[11] Improving Maternal and Child Health Through Prenatal Fatty Acid Supplementation (NAPS) (n.d.). Clinical Trials. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02647723
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