Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia affect millions of older adults. There is no cure, but several very large, well-designed studies suggest that the shingles vaccine may help prevent or delay these brain conditions. The studies all found that older adults who received a shingles vaccine were less likely to develop dementia or developed it later than those who were not vaccinated. Earlier research focused mostly on Zostavax, the older shingles vaccine, while newer studies have looked at Shingrix, the only shingles vaccine currently available in the U.S. Shingrix is recommended to prevent shingles for adults age 50 and older, but we think it may be as effective as and safer than expensive treatments like Leqembi or Kisunla for helping prevent or delay dementia.
Read More »How Adults Can Prevent Disease
Confused About Red Meat? Why the Evidence Is Not as Simple as the Guidelines
The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines encourage Americans to eat more red meat, but studies of millions of adults tell the opposite story. Adults who regularly eat processed or ultraprocessed meats such as bacon, sausage, and deli meats — even in small amounts –are more likely to develop heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and several cancers. Adults who often eat unprocessed meats, such as steak and hamburgers, are also more likely to develop those diseases than those who eat little or no red meat, but less likely than those who eat ultraprocessed red meat. A Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats offers a better path to a longer, healthier life.
Read More »Exercise, Reducing Your Likelihood of Cancer, and Life After Treatment
Exercise is known to be good for your heart, but did you know it can also lower your chances of developing many types of cancer and help survivors live longer? Research clearly shows that staying active, whether walking, cycling, swimming, or resistance training, can reduce your chances of getting cancer, improve outcomes if you are diagnosed, and lower the likelihood of cancer recurrence after treatment.
Read More »Sleep Better Tonight: A Complete Guide to Natural Sleep Solutions
Many adults struggle with sleep, and medications are usually not the best solution. This guide explains simple, research-based ways to sleep better, including what to eat, how to wind down at night, and how to manage stress so falling asleep and staying asleep feels easier and more natural.
Read More »Alcohol and Cancer
The link between alcohol and cancer may surprise you. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) reports that drinking alcohol increases the risk of cancer of the mouth and throat, vocal cords, esophagus, liver, breast, and colon. The risks are greatest in those with heavy and long-term alcohol use, but even moderate drinking can add up over a lifetime, increasing the chance of developing cancer.
Read More »