Alan Alda reveals unexpected weapon in his battle against Parkinson's disease

Alan Alda is sharing his surprising method of coping with Parkinson’s.

The actor, 90, best known for portraying Captain Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce in the CBS wartime sitcom "M*A*S*H," was diagnosed with the degenerative motor disease in 2015 and publicly shared the news in 2018. 

The diagnosis came after the actor learned that his own behavior of acting out dreams could be an early Parkinson's symptom.

DAD JOKES MAY BE GOOD FOR YOUR BRAIN IN ONE SURPRISING WAY, EXPERTS SAY

"I had a symptom, which at the time was not that well-known: Acting out your dreams," he said in an Oct. 4 interview with CBS News. "I had a dream that somebody was attacking me. And I picked up a sack of potatoes and threw it at 'em. What I was really doing was throwing a pillow at Arlene, my wife."

Alda identified humor as his way of coping with the frustrations and limitations of the disease.

While he acknowledged the frustrations of the physical effects and limitations of Parkinson’s, he said "the best way to deal with anything that's a little bit of a problem is to find out what's funny about it and laugh at it."

In one example, he shared that when he has trouble controlling the computer mouse while composing an email, he personifies his condition as "Dr. Parkinson," moving his hand all over the screen and deleting things.

"I don't let Parkinson's define me," Alda said, joking that he sees the disease as "just a hobby."

PARKINSON’S PATIENT’S YEARS-LONG TREMOR VANISHES WITHIN MINUTES OF NEW ULTRASOUND TREATMENT

Rather than wishing he didn’t have the condition, the actor said he aims to accept his current reality.

"I really think reality is my friend," he said. "I don't want to wish it away. I can't wish it away. I can't hope for a better future. I gotta accept what is."

Although Alda acknowledged that everyday tasks, such as buttoning his shirt, have become difficult, he said he treats each one like a "puzzle" to solve.

"I do hate it, but the only thing that's helpful is: What haven't I tried? And pretty soon, you get the feeling, 'If I keep looking for new ways to try this, I'll get a solution.' It's a puzzle. Will I be able eventually to put my socks on? The last time I put my socks on was a tremendous moment to celebrate!"

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Dr. Chadrick Lane, a neuropsychiatrist and director of the geriatric and neuropsychiatry clinic at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, agreed that humor can be a helpful wellness tool for those navigating the Parkinson's journey.

"Humor involves cognitive reframing, this idea of looking at a circumstance through different angles — not necessarily changing the reality that one is in, but shifting the meaning and the emotional weight of the situation," Lane, who has not treated Alda, told Fox News Digital.

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When something feels frightening or distressing, such as a medical diagnosis, creating some "psychological distance" can make a "big, big change" in perspective, he added.

Connection is another important component of humor, Lane noted.

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"Humor is often shared. It brings us together," he said. "We are meant to share our lives with others. The importance of having a sense of belonging and humor can be a glue in that way, bringing us closer with others so that one does not go on the journey alone."

Lane shared that he has witnessed the power of humor and connection in his own practice as he cares for people living with Parkinson's disease.

"One of the wonderful things that I've seen in those settings is that, just like Mr. Alda, people crack a joke, [it] brings them a smile."

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The neuropsychiatrist also noted that Alda’s acceptance of his condition is "enormously empowering."

"It's the idea of saying to oneself, what are the choices that I can make in the moment?" Lane told Fox News Digital. "Rarely do we ever have control over our entire day and certainly not our entire life, but we often do have control over what we choose in the movement."

"Our sense of agency is an important part of our emotional well-being."

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10 rules for living longer, seeing your grandkids grow up and enjoying your retirement savings

As scientists increasingly investigate how everyday habits may influence health and aging, one longevity doctor says the keys to a longer, healthier life don't require expensive supplements, elaborate biohacks or cutting-edge treatments.

Dr. Michael Hall, a Miami Beach longevity physician and author of the new book, "Infinite Youth," has identified what he calls the "10 commandments of longevity," which he believes can help people extend their healthiest years.

Hall said the principles were shaped by nearly two decades in longevity medicine and by observing health and aging across cultures around the world.

LONGEVITY DOCTOR REVEALS WHAT MATTERS MOST FOR AGING WELL, BEYOND PRICEY BIOHACKS

"These are core elements that are not peptides, they're not NAD," Hall told Fox News Digital. "It's not that you've got to buy a fancy thing on Amazon." Instead, he said, "you start out with the basics and you maintain them consistently."

"If you’re embracing some of these things, you are doing exactly what you need to do — and these don’t cost anything."

The content that people repeatedly consume — particularly when it’s fear-based or negative — can shape their behavior, according to Hall. He sees protecting attention as part of protecting health, emphasizing the importance of being intentional about what people consume mentally.

"What you put in your mind, you need to be very careful about," he said. "What you think, you become."

ONE SIMPLE LIFESTYLE CHOICE COULD HELP YOU LIVE LONGER, SAYS LONGEVITY EXPERT

A recent study identified a "sweet spot" of about six to eight hours of sleep per day, which researchers linked to healthier aging and lower risks of premature death and disease.

Sleep is when the body recovers and the brain "resets," yet technology and poor sleep habits increasingly interfere with that process, according to Hall.

"Sleep is probably one of the most important things that we just don’t talk about enough," he said.

The expert pointed out that the body’s circadian rhythm responds naturally to light and darkness, while screens, artificial light and late bedtimes can disrupt that cycle.

"The bed is really for sleep and sex," Hall added.

A September 2026 study found that highly active older adults maintained high levels of aerobic fitness into their 60s, 70s and 80s, despite some normal age-related decline.

"Movement is life," Hall agreed. He recalled seeing older adults remain highly active during his time working in New Zealand and Sri Lanka, including women in their 90s who were still mobile and fit.

3 COMMON FACTORS MAY BE SECRETLY SPEEDING UP THE AGING PROCESS, EXPERT SAYS

Hall’s own routine includes walking, swimming, cycling and resistance work.

For everyday movement, he particularly recommends walking and squatting, which engage large muscle groups and help maintain strength and mobility.

Muscle strength helps support bones, posture and mobility, and may help reduce frailty and fall risk later in life, according to the longevity expert.

"You need to maintain that good, healthy posture and strength throughout your life," Hall said.

He connected loss of movement and strength with weakening muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments, potentially increasing fall risk as people age.

"If you’re moving, you’re preserving strength, you’re maintaining your bones, because they go together," Hall said.

For optimal longevity nutrition, Hall recommends choosing minimally processed foods, with a focus on simple preparation, portion control and awareness of what goes into meals.

"Food is medicine, food is fuel, food is life," Hall said.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

While Hall said he cooks his own meals, primarily chooses fresh foods and largely avoids foods that come "out of a bag or a box," he emphasizes portion control rather than complete deprivation.

"I don’t care what it is you love, you can have a bite," he said.

Having a mission gives people something beyond themselves to invest in, contributing to emotional well-being and a meaningful life, according to Hall.

"It’s the most important part of being human," he said. "Our mission … is our purpose."

That purpose does not have to come from an extraordinary calling, Hall suggested. Whether someone is a physician, firefighter, baker or coffee shop owner, serving others can provide a sense of meaning.

"If you’re just serving yourself, you aren’t going to be a happy person," he added.

"No one ages well alone," Hall said. "You cannot live alone. You’re not designed to be atomized living in a box alone."

Research published in October 2026 in PLOS One found that loneliness was associated with a higher risk of death at one, three and five years.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Hall also pointed to companionship, family and meaningful relationships as important parts of his own life.

"Having people around you who appreciate you, who you can relate to, who can have a conversation with, have a laugh with, it’s so important," he said.

A 2025 study of more than 10,000 older adults with cognitive impairment found that greater participation in cognitively stimulating activities was associated with a lower risk of death over time.

"We’re needing to be challenged … as an individual and as a community and as society," Hall said.

Continuing to learn, explore and seek out new experiences could play a role in healthy aging, research has found.

Hall similarly believes curiosity helps people remain engaged with the world as they get older.

"Curiosity allows us to explore and to always be aware there’s something more," he told Fox News Digital. "You’re never going to know everything. So you’re always on the quest."

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Curiosity has driven much of Hall’s travel and work around the world, he said, noting that getting older shouldn't mean stopping the pursuit of new experiences.

"We were children, and we never really grew up, by the way — we just get older in our bodies."

In his book, Hall describes healthy aging as keeping the body's metaphorical "funnel" as wide as possible for as long as possible.

He sees aging as a gradual narrowing of that funnel, with increasing physiological stress as the body loses some of its ability to maintain optimal function.

Keeping the funnel wide, he said, means supporting overall health and resilience through the fundamental habits outlined in his other commandments.

Ultimately, Hall said his goal is not simply to help people accumulate more birthdays, but to make those additional years healthier and more meaningful.

"I’m selling healthspan as much as I possibly can," he said. "Your best years of your life, the best living you can possibly have, sharing with others and making society better."

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Doctor's 10 rules for living longer, celebrating more birthdays and making extra years count

As scientists increasingly investigate how everyday habits may influence health and aging, one longevity doctor says the keys to a longer, healthier life don't require expensive supplements, elaborate biohacks or cutting-edge treatments.

Dr. Michael Hall, a Miami Beach longevity physician and author of the new book "Infinite Youth," has identified what he calls the "10 commandments of longevity," which he believes can help people extend their healthiest years.

Hall said the principles were shaped by nearly two decades in longevity medicine and by observing health and aging across cultures around the world.

LONGEVITY DOCTOR REVEALS WHAT MATTERS MOST FOR AGING WELL, BEYOND PRICEY BIOHACKS

"These are core elements that are not peptides, they're not NAD," Hall told Fox News Digital. "It's not that you've got to buy a fancy thing on Amazon." Instead, he said, "you start out with the basics and you maintain them consistently."

"If you’re embracing some of these things, you are doing exactly what you need to do — and these don’t cost anything."

The content that people repeatedly consume — particularly when it’s fear-based or negative — can shape their behavior, according to Hall. He sees protecting attention as part of protecting health, emphasizing the importance of being intentional about what people consume mentally.

"What you put in your mind, you need to be very careful about," he said. "What you think, you become."

ONE SIMPLE LIFESTYLE CHOICE COULD HELP YOU LIVE LONGER, SAYS LONGEVITY EXPERT

A recent study identified a "sweet spot" of about six to eight hours of sleep per day, which researchers linked to healthier aging and lower risks of premature death and disease.

Sleep is when the body recovers and the brain "resets," yet technology and poor sleep habits increasingly interfere with that process, according to Hall.

"Sleep is probably one of the most important things that we just don’t talk about enough," he said.

The expert pointed out that the body’s circadian rhythm responds naturally to light and darkness, while screens, artificial light and late bedtimes can disrupt that cycle.

"The bed is really for sleep and sex," Hall added.

A September 2026 study found that highly active older adults maintained high levels of aerobic fitness into their 60s, 70s and 80s, despite some normal age-related decline.

"Movement is life," Hall agreed. He recalled seeing older adults remain highly active during his time working in New Zealand and Sri Lanka, including women in their 90s who were still mobile and fit.

3 COMMON FACTORS MAY BE SECRETLY SPEEDING UP THE AGING PROCESS, EXPERT SAYS

Hall’s own routine includes walking, swimming, cycling and resistance work.

For everyday movement, he particularly recommends walking and squatting, which engage large muscle groups and help maintain strength and mobility.

Muscle strength helps support bones, posture and mobility, and may help reduce frailty and fall risk later in life, according to the longevity expert.

"You need to maintain that good, healthy posture and strength throughout your life," Hall said.

He connected loss of movement and strength with weakening muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments, potentially increasing fall risk as people age.

"If you’re moving, you’re preserving strength, you’re maintaining your bones, because they go together," Hall said.

For optimal longevity nutrition, Hall recommends choosing minimally processed foods, with a focus on simple preparation, portion control and awareness of what goes into meals.

"Food is medicine, food is fuel, food is life," Hall said.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

While Hall said he cooks his own meals, primarily chooses fresh foods and largely avoids foods that come "out of a bag or a box," he emphasizes portion control rather than complete deprivation.

"I don’t care what it is you love, you can have a bite," he said.

Having a mission gives people something beyond themselves to invest in, contributing to emotional well-being and a meaningful life, according to Hall.

"It’s the most important part of being human," he said. "Our mission … is our purpose."

That purpose does not have to come from an extraordinary calling, Hall suggested. Whether someone is a physician, firefighter, baker or coffee shop owner, serving others can provide a sense of meaning.

"If you’re just serving yourself, you aren’t going to be a happy person," he added.

"No one ages well alone," Hall said. "You cannot live alone. You’re not designed to be atomized living in a box alone."

Research published in October 2026 in PLOS One found that loneliness was associated with a higher risk of death at one, three and five years.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Hall also pointed to companionship, family and meaningful relationships as important parts of his own life.

"Having people around you who appreciate you, who you can relate to, who can have a conversation with, have a laugh with, it’s so important," he said.

A 2025 study of more than 10,000 older adults with cognitive impairment found that greater participation in cognitively stimulating activities was associated with a lower risk of death over time.

"We’re needing to be challenged … as an individual and as a community and as society," Hall said.

Continuing to learn, explore and seek out new experiences could play a role in healthy aging, research has found.

Hall similarly believes curiosity helps people remain engaged with the world as they get older.

"Curiosity allows us to explore and to always be aware there’s something more," he told Fox News Digital. "You’re never going to know everything. So you’re always on the quest."

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Curiosity has driven much of Hall’s travel and work around the world, he said, noting that getting older shouldn't mean stopping the pursuit of new experiences.

"We were children, and we never really grew up, by the way — we just get older in our bodies."

In his book, Hall describes healthy aging as keeping the body's metaphorical "funnel" as wide as possible for as long as possible.

He sees aging as a gradual narrowing of that funnel, with increasing physiological stress as the body loses some of its ability to maintain optimal function.

Keeping the funnel wide, he said, means supporting overall health and resilience through the fundamental habits outlined in his other commandments.

Ultimately, Hall said his goal is not simply to help people accumulate more birthdays, but to make those additional years healthier and more meaningful.

"I’m selling healthspan as much as I possibly can," he said. "Your best years of your life, the best living you can possibly have, sharing with others and making society better."

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Alzheimer’s risk linked to compound found in popular joint health supplements

Many older adults turn to glucosamine to manage aging joints, but for individuals with mild cognitive impairment, the supplement could be linked to faster progression to Alzheimer’s disease.

To investigate how glucosamine affects dementia risk and mortality, University of Florida researchers analyzed medical records of patients with mild cognitive impairment, tracked laboratory mouse models and examined healthy versus Alzheimer’s-affected human brains.

The study, which was published in Nature Metabolism, focused on glycosylation, a natural process where brain cells attach small chains of sugar to proteins.

7 NEW DEMENTIA RISK FACTORS REVEALED — INCLUDING ONE MILLIONS STRUGGLE WITH

"You can think of these sugar chains as the labels and fittings on a machine part — they help a protein fold correctly, get shipped to the right place in the cell and connect with its partners," senior author Ramon Sun, Ph.D., professor of biochemistry and molecular biology in the College of Medicine at University of Florida, told Fox News Digital. "The right amount is essential."

"Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound of sugar and an amino acid group that is a fundamental structural building block in the body," Neil Levin, senior nutrition education manager of Now, a manufacturer of glucosamine supplements in Illinois, told Fox News Digital.

Glucosamine is concentrated in cartilage, the connective tissue that cushions joints, and is a component of larger molecules that help give cartilage its strength, elasticity and ability to retain water, he added.

"Support for aging joints is the primary reason people take glucosamine as a dietary supplement," Levin said.

ALZHEIMER'S BLOOD TESTS MAY PREDICT SYMPTOMS YEARS IN ADVANCE, BUT EXPERTS URGE CAUTION

The body uses an internal "checkpoint" that naturally regulates how many of these sugar chains it produces, according to Sun.

Supplemental glucosamine bypasses that "front gate" entirely — like a delivery truck pulling straight up to the loading dock, instantly boosting the supply of raw material used to make the sugar chains, the expert added.

In the study, researchers analyzed thousands of patients with dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, as well as those with mild cognitive impairment, and then narrowed the group to those who were taking glucosamine.

For those with mild cognitive impairment, taking the supplement didn't change their risk of death, but it did make them 25% more likely to progress to dementia. However, among individuals who already had dementia, glucosamine users had a higher mortality compared to similar non-users.

POPULAR DRUGS FOR BONE HEALTH LINKED TO SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER ALZHEIMER'S RISK

The researchers also examined brain tissue to understand what might be driving the association. "We found an excess of sugar chains on proteins in the Alzheimer’s brain," Sun said.

Many of those proteins help nerve cells communicate, but the excess sugar chains may interfere with how they function, Sun said. He compared the effect to coating a key in too much wax — it is still the same key, but no longer fits the lock properly.

Glucosamine is one of the materials cells use to make these sugar chains, according to Sun.

Researchers also tracked how glucosamine was processed in mice, comparing its effects on healthy brains with those affected by Alzheimer’s-like disease.

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"In our experiments, normal mice given glucosamine showed no increase in these sugar chains and no change in a memory test," Sun said.

"But in mice with Alzheimer's-like disease, where the production line was already running too hot, glucosamine increased the sugar chains further and worsened performance on a memory test."

The researchers relied on medical records, which may not capture every supplement a patient was taking.

"Health records tell us what was documented, not everything a person took," Sun said. "Over-the-counter supplements are not always recorded, and records don't reliably capture dose, brand or how consistently someone took it."

An observational study looking at past records can find a signal, but can't prove one.

Glucosamine users may also differ in factors such as arthritis, pain, mobility, frailty and medication use, Levin noted. The records also did not establish the exact supplement, dose, duration or consistency of use.

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"The finding should therefore be treated as a safety signal that warrants controlled human research, but it did not — could not — reach a conclusion that glucosamine causes Alzheimer’s disease," Levin said.

The next step is a well-designed, double-blind clinical trial to evaluate the impact of glucosamine on cognitive decline in patients with dementia.

"For now, the evidence isn't strong enough to recommend any supplement for slowing [Alzheimer’s] disease, which is why doing this research properly, including the clinical trial we've called for, matters," Sun said.

The study did not examine cognitively healthy people and does not suggest that glucosamine poses a risk to those who take it for joint health.

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"A brain affected by dementia and a healthy brain are different biological environments, and we shouldn't assume a supplement behaves the same way in both," Sun said.

He emphasized the importance of consulting with a doctor before starting or stopping a supplement.

"If you or a family member has a diagnosis of cognitive impairment or dementia and takes glucosamine, it's reasonable to bring it up at the next visit, as part of an ordinary conversation about what's in the medicine cabinet," the doctor advised.

Fox News Digital reached out to multiple glucosamine manufacturers requesting comment.

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7 everyday mistakes could be quietly damaging your vision, eye doctor warns

As Americans live longer, experts say everyday habits may be taking a toll on eye health earlier than expected.

Dr. Douglas Lazzaro, professor of ophthalmology at NYU Langone Health, warned that several everyday habits may be silently affecting eye health.

Age-related eye conditions include glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve, and cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens that can block light and blur vision.

POPULAR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION DRUG LINKED TO EYE DISEASE THAT CAN CAUSE IRREVERSIBLE VISION LOSS

While genetics and aging remain major drivers of many eye diseases, avoiding the following common mistakes may help slow their progression and protect vision, Lazzaro told Fox News Digital.

While exposure to sunlight is beneficial for overall metabolic health and longevity, failing to protect the eyes from the sun may lead to accelerated damage.

Lazzaro pointed to research suggesting that long-term ultraviolet exposure may contribute to macular degeneration and the progression of cataracts.

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In the doctor's own practice, cataracts are appearing five to 10 years earlier than they did three decades ago, which he believes may be linked to ultraviolet light exposure.

He recommends wearing sunglasses in bright, sunny conditions to help protect the eyes, including the lens and retina.

Reading in poor lighting can increase eye strain and make it harder to focus, particularly with age, according to Lazzaro.

"As we get older, our eyes have more difficulty seeing under certain lighting conditions," he told Fox News Digital, noting that older adults may have more difficulty adjusting to darker environments.

"If you're going be reading and it's not a bright, sunny day outside or you're not inside with bright lights, you should increase the lighting," he recommended.

Research suggests that a nutritious diet may protect eye health by reducing the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, both of which can affect vision.

"Diet is important," Lazzaro said. "There's certainly a lot of known data about poor diets [contributing] to poor cardiovascular health, and that same thing can apply with the eye."

DIET CHANGE TIED TO ‘YOUNGER’ BIOLOGICAL AGE IN OLDER ADULTS AFTER 4 WEEKS

High cholesterol and high blood pressure can worsen diabetic eye disease, even when patients may not realize those conditions are affecting their vision, according to the doctor.

Researchers are also exploring whether gut health may influence retinal health, although that connection is still emerging.

Another condition that becomes increasingly common with age is dry eye, in which a lack of tear production and oil secretion causes red, itchy, irritated eyes.

This condition can be exacerbated by lifestyle factors like dehydration, Lazzaro noted.

Staying hydrated helps keep the cornea properly moisturized, he said. "We always tell our patients, particularly in the summer, if they're going out on a hot day … make sure to hydrate, because not only will it dry out the body … but it can dry out your corneas."

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Getting adequate sleep helps support overall health, and there’s "good evidence" that patients who don’t sleep well, particularly those with sleep apnea, may experience increased eye pressure, according to Lazzaro.

People with sleep apnea also appear to face higher rates of glaucoma and certain vascular eye conditions, similar to their increased cardiovascular risk, the doctor said. "They also have an increased incidence of vascular phenomena in the eye … People who don't sleep well have fluctuations in their circulation at night."

Eye rubbing is considered a risk factor for keratoconus, a progressive eye disease where the cornea begins to dome and bulge out in a cone shape, although experts' opinions differ on whether it can directly cause the disease, according to Lazzaro.

Patients with keratoconus often rub their eyes frequently, he noted, and repeated rubbing can potentially change the shape of the cornea — one reason he "strongly" advises against the habit.

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Because glaucoma often develops without symptoms, a comprehensive eye exam is frequently the only way to detect it early, Lazzaro said.

Glaucoma is known as a "silent disease" that can lead to blindness, the doctor noted.

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"Its nickname is 'the silent thief of sight,'" he said. "Sometimes the only way you know you have glaucoma is by going to the ophthalmologist. It’s a disease that we see with increasing frequency as we get older."

Lazzaro recommends that adults get annual eye exams, rather than waiting until age-related vision changes begin. Presbyopia — the gradual loss of the ability to focus on nearby objects — commonly develops in middle age and often leads to the need for reading glasses.

"Patients will come in at some point, usually between 40 and 50, and say they can't see up-close anymore; it happened overnight," he said.

Annual visits should also include a scan for skin cancer and eyelid tumors, which occur more frequently with age, the doctor advised.

Sun exposure may contribute not only to cataracts and macular degeneration, but also to cancers of the eyelid, Lazzaro said. "Most of them can be removed locally without a big problem if diagnosed early," he added.

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Subtle change in how you speak could be early sign of dementia risk, new research suggests

New research suggests that voice disorders, including shifts in vocal pitch, volume or clarity, could indicate a higher probability of developing dementia or cognitive impairment in the future.

A study involving 833,417 participants aged 50 and older examined the connection between a voice disorder, hearing loss, or both with the chance of developing cognitive impairment or dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, beginning a year after the voice disorder and hearing loss diagnoses.

The findings from the study, conducted by a team at the Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, were published in the Journal of Voice.

EVERYDAY TASK MAY HELP DETECT EARLY DEMENTIA SIGNS BEFORE DIAGNOSIS, STUDY FINDS

Results showed that participants with a voice disorder but no hearing loss had a 58% increased likelihood of developing dementia or cognitive issues in the future, whereas participants with a voice disorder and hearing loss had a 104% chance.

For all participants with voice disorders, with or without hearing loss, there was a 29% increased probability of developing dementia or cognitive impairment, whereas those with only hearing loss had a 27% greater risk.

"We found the strongest link with dementia among patients experiencing a voice disorder and hearing loss," said Robert Sataloff, a professor and chair at the Drexel University College of Medicine, Science Alert reported.

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"Importantly, we found that those with a voice disorder and no hearing loss were at greater risk than patients who experience hearing loss only," he added.

Examples of voice disorders include laryngitis, vocal cord paralysis, vocal cord lesions and spasmodic dysphonia (laryngeal dystonia), among others, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Regardless of the possible correlation between vocal issues and dementia, researchers noted that seeking treatment for a voice disorder could also benefit a patient’s brain.

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Hearing loss and trouble speaking could discourage individuals from socializing with others, and studies have shown that social engagement can stimulate the brain and play a role in warding off dementia.

Sataloff said that it’s "only natural" for voice disorders and hearing loss to be connected to cognitive impairment.

Those who experience pain or discomfort when talking or singing might "participate less often in brain-supporting social or other engaging activities," he noted.

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Despite the study's findings, having a voice disorder doesn’t necessarily mean that future cognitive impairment is absolutely certain.

Additionally, it’s not guaranteed that vocal issues indicate the beginning of a decline in brain function or the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

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10-minute fitness habit can help adults over 40 maintain muscle and stay strong

Adults over 40 may not need to spend hours in the gym to maintain muscle, preserve mobility and stay strong.

According to Los Angeles fitness entrepreneur Carl Daikeler, just 10 minutes of targeted resistance exercise each day can help preserve muscle, mobility and long-term function.

Daikeler, 63, who has spent 28 years leading BODi, the fitness brand formerly known as Beachbody, says his approach to exercise stems from a practical desire to stay healthy without having to be a dedicated fitness enthusiast.

4 SIMPLE HABITS CAN HELP SLOW MUSCLE LOSS AS YOU AGE, FITNESS EXPERT SAYS

"I don't like to eat healthy, I don't like to work out," Daikeler told Fox News Digital at the Strong New York conference in September. "I'm just constantly trying to figure out how I can hack my way without having to overturn my life to become one of these diehard health and fitness people, because I'm never going to become that."

For adults looking to stay healthy in midlife, Daikeler recommends what he considers a "minimum effective dose" — short, targeted resistance workouts at home instead of lengthy gym sessions.

"Ten minutes a day, and you can establish and build and maintain muscle," he said.

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Federal physical activity guidelines say that adults should perform muscle-strengthening activities involving all major muscle groups at least two days per week, in addition to regular aerobic activity.

Rather than doing a full-body workout every day, Daikeler recommends rotating muscle groups — focusing on the chest one day, upper body the next, then legs and glutes — to build consistency without requiring lengthy gym sessions.

"Do that consistently, and you're going to find your strength return, your muscles return, your joints will start to respond appropriately," he said.

The 10-minute approach can be especially valuable for people taking GLP-1 medications, who may be trying to preserve muscle mass and bone density while losing weight but may feel intimidated by traditional gyms, Daikeler said.

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For individuals seeking more significant weight loss, he recommends extending daily activity to 20 or 30 minutes, incorporating a balance of strength training and cardiovascular exercise.

Daikeler cautioned against focusing exclusively on either cardio or resistance training, noting that different exercise types serve distinct functions in the body.

"Your body's like a furnace," Daikeler said. "The coal in that furnace is muscle. So you want to build muscle. But then you want to stoke that coal, and that's cardio. So, you need a balance of both things."

While resistance training builds muscle and strengthens bones and connective tissue, cardiovascular exercise challenges the heart and lungs, helping to maintain overall fitness, he said.

As adults age, Daikeler says the primary motivation for maintaining physical activity should shift away from aesthetic goals and toward functional mobility and independence.

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Reflecting on his personal experience visiting his father in an assisted living facility, Daikeler observed how residents struggled with basic movement and balance.

Many residents relied on walkers and canes, and often stopped walking before talking to one another because they feared tripping over cracks in the pavement, he recalled.

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"This is no longer about my abs," Daikeler added. "I need to work out in order to be able to walk and talk at the same time into my 90s ... It's no longer about aesthetics and vanity. It's really about mobility."

Maintaining healthy physical habits means accepting daily short-term discomfort to protect long-term independence, Daikeler noted.

"If I do 20 minutes of discomfort, the rest of the day is awesome," he said, adding that the goal is to consistently incorporate resistance training, cardio and flexibility work into a daily routine.

from Health News Today on Fox News https://ift.tt/XsmKtaZ

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