Arkansas Neuropsychology and Behavioral Health

11/24/2025

A bump on the head isn’t always just a bruise—now when to get medical help:

- Lost consciousness—even briefly
- Repeated vomiting or worsening headache
- Confusion, memory loss, or unusual behavior
- Trouble walking, weakness, or numbness
- Seizure, slurred speech, vision changes
- Blood or fluid leaking from ears/nose
- Extreme drowsiness or trouble waking up
- Any symptoms getting worse over time

When in doubt, see a doctor—especially if symptoms worsen or last beyond 24 hours. Kids need closer monitoring. Stay safe!

Source: Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Emergency Physicians.

Even a minor injury to the scalp or forehead can cause a large lump. Find out when it's time to see a healthcare professional.

11/20/2025

Three everyday, science-backed activities to boost brain health are: regular physical exercise, mentally stimulating puzzles or games, and mindfulness or meditation. Each is supported by extensive research and can be done in just a few minutes a day to help keep your mind sharp as you age.

1. Move your body Daily activities like brisk walking, cycling, or dancing increase blood flow to the brain and can enhance memory, focus, and overall cognitive function

2. Challenge your Brain doing puzzles, learning new skills, or playing games such as crosswords or Sudoku stimulates neural growth and helps strengthen cognitive reserves.

3. Practice mindfulness or Meditation just a few minutes of mindfulness or meditation each day reduces stress and promotes neuroplasticity, supporting long-term brain health.

Try these daily for a healthier, sharper brain!

11/17/2025

Science says just 1 minute of vigorous exercise = 6 minutes of brisk walking for heart health! 🏃‍♂️💥 But it’s not just good for your heart—intense activity also boosts your brain health, memory, and focus. Try short bursts of intensity each day for a stronger, sharper you! 🧠❤️

New research reveals the exercise six times more effective than walking for fighting heart disease | The Independent

A new study suggests that more intense physical activity can deliver the same health benefits as moderate-intensity activities like brisk walking in a fraction of the time. Harry Bullmore speaks to lead author Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis to find out how you can apply his findings to everyday routi...

11/11/2025

Simple daily changes—like regular walking, a balanced diet, and staying socially and mentally active—can significantly reduce your risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. .Steps as modest as 3,000–7,500 per day are effective in slowing cognitive decline, especially in seniors. Managing heart health, blood pressure, and diabetes, plus avoiding smoking and excess alcohol, all help protect your brain.



Source: WCVB

Boston expert says knowing your Brain Care Score can make a big difference.

11/10/2025

Scientists have identified a “switch” in the brain that can turn off chronic pain, by activating special neurons, the brain’s survival priorities like hunger and fear can override pain signals. This could lead to new treatments that block pain at its source, offering hope for those with persistent pain.

Scientists discover brain circuit that can switch off chronic pain | ScienceDaily

Scientists have pinpointed Y1 receptor neurons in the brain that can override chronic pain signals when survival instincts like hunger or fear take precedence. Acting like a neural switchboard, these cells balance pain with other biological needs. The research could pave the way for personalized tre...

11/06/2025

Several Psychiatric Disorders Share The Same Root Cause, Study Shows : ScienceAlert

Researchers recently discovered that eight different psychiatric conditions share a common genetic basis.

11/05/2025

New research shows gum disease may quietly damage the brain, increasing the risk for memory loss and stroke in older adults. Protect your smile for a healthier mind!

Source: ScienceDaily

People with gum disease may have higher levels of brain white matter damage, a new study finds. Researchers observed that participants with gum disease had significantly more white matter hyperintensities, even after accounting for other risk factors. The findings hint that chronic oral inflammation...

11/03/2025

Study Finds 99% Heart Attack, Stroke Cases Linked to 'Modifiable' Risks

A new study, released Monday, shows most people who suffer heart attacks or strokes have at least one of four major cardiovascular risk factors beforehand.

10/30/2025

https://knowridge.com/2025/09/vitamin-d-has-surprising-effects-on-brain-health-in-older-women/

Low-normal B12 in older adults was tied to slower processing, cognitive decline, and brain damage. Scientists warn current requirements may be too low.

10/27/2025

https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-found-a-major-problem-with-vitamin-b12-guidelines-and-your-brain-might-be-at-risk/

Low-normal B12 in older adults was tied to slower processing, cognitive decline, and brain damage. Scientists warn current requirements may be too low.

10/26/2025

New evidence suggests tiny plastic particles might be silently reshaping brain health. A new review highlighted in ScienceAlert found microplastics lodged in cerebral blood vessels of dementia patients, particularly those with vascular dementia. These pollutants may worsen microbleeds and vascular blockages, increasing risk for cognitive decline. Researchers warn that environmental toxins—long linked to heart and endocrine issues—could also be driving neurodegeneration.Protecting brain health may now mean reducing plastic exposure as much as possible.


Microplastics May Be Tied to Vascular Dementia Cases, Review Finds : ScienceAlert

Vascular dementia is caused by blood flow issues in the brain: it's one of the most common types of dementia, but not as well researched or understood as others.

10/23/2025

https://knowridge.com/2025/10/how-gene-mutations-may-drive-dementia-in-parkinsons-disease/

Parkinson’s disease is best known for its impact on movement—tremors, stiffness, and slowed motion. But many people living with the condition also experience cognitive problems such as poor concentration and forgetfulness. Over time, these symptoms can progress to dementia, which is often one of...