Students preparing for exams are being urged to swap energy drinks and sugary snacks for nutrient-dense foods, The Heart Foundation says. Dietitian Nikita Kelly said foods such as vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, legumes, nuts and lean protein can support concentration, memory and steady energy. She advised avoiding ultra-processed foods, which often contain added sugar, salt and unhealthy fats, and choosing options such as fruit or a handful of nuts instead of muesli bars. Kelly said healthy eating works best alongside regular physical activity, quality sleep, hydration and study breaks.
Dementia Australia held a support and information morning tea for carers at St Stephens Catholic Church Hall in Tea Gardens on Monday, 12 October. Annette Noffke led the session, which focused on understanding the range of dementia behaviours. Dementia is caused by several diseases that affect the brain and gradually reduce thinking skills, and it is not a normal part of ageing. Dementia Australia says up to 45 per cent of cases can be avoided through steps such as quitting smoking, eating healthily and reducing alcohol intake.
Magnesium supplements may not reach the brain, despite label claims. The body absorbs only part of a dose, and the higher the dose, the less is taken in. Cheap magnesium oxide pills mostly act as laxatives because they break down poorly. Some brain-focused products rely on rodent studies, while small human trials have serious limitations and were often funded by manufacturers. The writer concludes that a brain-focused magnesium supplement is likely just an expensive laxative.
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Eating well may help students study during exam time. Salmon contains omega-3 fats, which are linked to stable mood and lower stress. Spinach, blueberries, walnuts and eggs are also described as beneficial for concentration and memory. Regular snacks and breakfast are suggested to keep energy steady during long study sessions. Sleep, avoiding smoking and vaping, and limiting alcohol are also recommended for brain health.
A landmark study projects that 24.7 million people will be diagnosed with dementia each year by 2050, with women disproportionately affected. Researchers estimate about 11.4 million people developed dementia globally in 2023. The study, from the University of NSW's Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, analysed 38,418 people across 18 countries and territories. Researchers suggest factors including menopause, unequal education and job opportunities, and body mass index and physical activity may contribute. Experts say almost half of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 risk factors.
A Virginia Tech neuroscientist, Alex Di Feliceantonio, says diet can reshape how the brain functions. Researchers used brain scans on 60 participants comparing healthy meals with ultra-processed meals matched for sugar and fat. The processed meals produced a different metabolic response and stimulated a brain region tied to motivation and reward. They also caused larger, longer-lasting spikes in insulin and blood sugar. Gippsland Jersey farmer Sallie Jones, who sells fresh milk directly, says rising sugar intake is harming her son's behaviour and mood. CSIRO modelling predicts Australian diets could worsen by 2030.
