New research from Emory University reveals that even seemingly small lifestyle improvements decreased one’s risk of developing heart disease, and these decreases also translate to lower risk of subsequent conditions, such as cancer, dementia, type 2 diabetes, and eye, liver, and kidney diseases. The study also links heart health to vision, hearing, and dental health. The study analyzed more than 450 peer-reviewed studies, assessing the overall impact of implementing the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7™ metrics, a series of preventative measures, which include: not smoking, healthy eating, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.  Even a 1-point improvement on Life’s Simple 7™ scale, which ranges from 0-14 points, translates to critical health gains for the heart and other organs. 

Recent advances in glucose management are reshaping our understanding of cognitive decline and dementia prevention. Energy imbalance and glucose dysregulation are now recognized as central to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk. Brain-specific insulin signaling disruptions due to dysglycemia impair natural protective mechanisms. These findings are leading to updated diabetes care practices that prioritize cognitive outcomes, marking a significant shift in how comorbid AD is addressed in aging populations.

Scientists have used AI to re-analyse a clinical trial for an Alzheimer’s medicine, and identified a group of patients who responded to treatment. The work demonstrates that AI can inform the design of future clinical trials to make them more effective and efficient, accelerating the search for new medicines.