The relationship between memory and eating behavior has been of considerable interest to scientists in recent years. While it is common for food intake to be associated with hunger or emotional states, innovative research by the Monell Chemical Senses Center has found that another critical component influences our eating habits—memory. The studies revealed that the food-related memory system of the brain could be a direct contributor to how much and what we eat. This may prove important in the context of overeating, food cravings, and obesity.

An underemphasized player in eating behavior studies is memory. But researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, led by Dr. Guillaume de Lartigue, published in Nature Metabolism, revealed an entirely new phenomenon: there are certain neurons in the brain that store food memories, specifically those that have a lot of sugar and fat. Such neurons in the hippocampus directly impact food intake and weight gain and establish a surprising relationship between memory and metabolism.

These neurons encode the spatial location of nutrient-rich foods, thus essentially forming a "memory trace" for sugar and fat. These memories act as a strong motivator for eating behavior and drive individuals to seek out such food sources again, even in environments where food is readily available.

Dr. de Lartigue's group found that blocking these neurons reduced the capacity of an animal to remember sugar-related experiences. In simpler words, if these neurons were blocked, the animals ate less sugar, and they gained much less weight even though they were fed a diet loaded with sugar and fat. Conversely, activating these neurons enhanced the memory for food in the animals and increased consumption.

This finding is impportant because it suggests that food memories should not be considered as passive recollections of pleasurable experiences but rather as active triggers of food intake and behavior. It opens possibilities to use these insights in better management of overeating and prevention of diet-induced obesity.

How Your Memory Impacts Obesity and Metabolic Health

What is important about this discovery is its implications for relieving the growing obesity epidemic. Obesity has long been associated with overeating and specifically, the consumption of calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods which are high in fat and sugar. The study of Monell reported that brain circuits controlling memory could be an important component that drives the behavior.

In the present world, food is constantly advertised, and there are environmental cues everywhere. As such, food memories have emerged as a vital part of eating habits. As Dr. de Lartigue points out, these circuits of memory may cause overeating due to the plentiful food cues associated with pleasure. In essence, these memories may cause a craving to result in the consumption of sugary or fatty foods when one may not feel hungry.

Another interesting aspect of this study is the specificity of memory circuits it detects. The scientists were able to determine that the neurons that are responsible for encoding sugar-related memories only influence sugar intake, while the neurons responsible for fat-related memories affect fat consumption. This specificity shows that the brain has finely tuned circuits designed to differentiate between various types of food and drive behavior accordingly.

Separation of sugar and fat memory circuits might have occurred as a function because in the wild, most foodstuffs hardly combine sugar and fats, thus facilitating survival when remembering and acting appropriately on nutrient-dense food sources. This capability of storing food-specific memories might account for why most people experience a craving for either sweet or fatty food in the presence of environmental cues related to these nutrients.

Implications for Treating Obesity

The research holds great promise for the development of new treatments for obesity. By targeting the memory circuits in the hippocampus, it may be possible to disrupt the food-related memories that drive unhealthy eating behavior. This may provide a new approach to managing overeating and weight gain, especially in a society where food is omnipresent and easily accessible.

Dr. de Lartigue and his colleagues propose that these neurons are necessary for associating sensory stimuli, such as taste and smell, with the consumption of food. Blocking the memory mechanisms that drive the desire for calorie-rich foods may represent a powerful intervention to treat obesity and enhance metabolic health.

Link Between Memory and the Brain's Reward System

The brain's reward system is also closely linked to food memories. Scientists have discovered that high-glycemic foods cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, stimulating pleasure and reward areas of the brain. Such foods give a sense of satisfaction, and it reinforces the need to eat them again. In the long term, the brain becomes conditioned to seek out such foods, creating a vicious cycle of overeating.

Overeating can also be linked to memory modification in the brain's reward system, which eventually creates a reduced response to cues related to food. The same thing happens in addiction, where higher amounts of the substance are required for the same amount of reward. The vicious cycle of eating, facilitated by brain activation and food memories, might explain why people easily gain weight yet have difficulty keeping it off.

Understanding the Role of Memory in Eating Behavior

Findings at the Monell Chemical Senses Center have increased our knowledge on the intricate connection between memory and eating behavior. The specific role that food-related memories play in food intake and weight gain has been identified through this study, providing useful information regarding how memory circuits in the brain might influence eating behavior. This research could open the doors to innovative treatments against overeating and obesity, helping people make healthier food choices and improve their metabolic health.

Ways To Prevent Overeating?

• Focus on eating slowly, savoring each bite, and avoiding distractions to curb impulsive eating.
• Reduce exposure to advertisements and sensory triggers associated with unhealthy food.
• Prioritize low-glycemic, nutrient-dense foods to minimize the addictive effects of sugar and fat.
• Exercise can modulate brain activity and support healthier eating behaviors.
• Address emotional triggers and reframe food-related memories to prevent overeating.
• Ensure adequate sleep to regulate appetite-controlling hormones.
• Seek guidance from nutritionists or therapists for personalized strategies.

Separate orexigenic hippocampal ensembles shape dietary choice by enhancing contextual memory and motivation. Nat Metab. 2025

Effects of dietary glycemic index on brain regions related to reward and craving in men. Am J Clin Nutr. 2013

In the United States, someone dies from heart disease every 34 seconds, and nearly half of the population has some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

What makes these statistics scary is the number of people who experience mental health issues, which is one out of four adults.

A new report from Emory University shows a clear and strong link between mental health conditions and heart disease. The report found that having certain mental health disorders can increase your risk of developing heart disease by a significant amount—anywhere from 50% to 100%. For people who already have a heart condition, these disorders can make things much worse, raising their risk of poor outcomes by 60% to 170%.

Which Mental Health Diseases Affect Heart Health?

The report, led by Dr. Viola Vaccarino and published in The Lancet Regional Health-Europe, highlights the strong link between mental health conditions and an increased risk of developing heart disease. Specifically, it found that certain mental health disorders can increase the risk of developing heart disease by 50% to 100%. For individuals who already have a heart condition, these disorders can worsen outcomes by 60% to 170%.

The report associated the following mental health conditions with these increased risks for developing CVD:

Major depression: 72% increased risk

PTSD: 57% increased risk

Bipolar disorder: 61% increased risk

Panic disorder: 50% increased risk

Phobic anxiety: 70% increased risk

Schizophrenia: nearly 100% increased risk

The study also found a two-way connection. Not only do mental health issues raise the risk for heart disease, but over 40% of people with heart disease also have a mental health condition. For example, a person with heart disease who also has major depression is more than twice as likely to die from their heart condition.

How Is Our Mental And Heart Health Connected?

The report explains how this link works inside the body. It shows that conditions like depression, schizophrenia, and PTSD can cause the body's natural stress response systems to act abnormally. These systems, called the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis, control important body functions like heart rate and how we handle stress.

When these systems don't work correctly, they can cause long-term problems that harm the heart. This includes things like ongoing inflammation, issues with metabolism, and high blood pressure. All of these issues can raise the risk of developing heart disease over time.

What Are Some Mental Health Barriers That Affect Care?

For people with mental health conditions, getting the right medical care for their physical and mental health can be very difficult. The report points to several key problems.

Social and economic barriers

It can be tough for people with mental health conditions to afford or even get to doctors' appointments.

Communication issues

Sometimes, people may not understand health information or have trouble explaining their symptoms, which can make it harder to get the right diagnosis and treatment.

Stigma

There is still a lot of shame around mental health, which can stop people from seeking help. Doctors may also have their own biases. The report also notes that people with mental health conditions are often left out of clinical trials, so we don't have as much research on them.

Fragmented care

The way our healthcare system is set up often treats the mind and body as separate. This makes it hard to address all of a person's health needs at once.

If menopause had a social media profile, its relationship status with women’s health would be… “complicated”. Sure, the hot flashes and mood swings grab most of the headlines, but lurking quietly in the background is another issue: bone loss. Oestrogen is important when it comes to keeping bones strong. Once its levels dip during menopause, women become much more prone to osteoporosis.”

Why Oestrogen Is Crucial

Bone is a living tissue that constantly rebuilds and repairs itself. Oestrogen is what keeps this construction site running smoothly. “When oestrogen drops, the balance between bone building and bone breakdown collapses,” explains Dr. Pramila Kalra, Consultant, Department of Endocrinology, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital. This leads to bones that weaken faster than they can repair.

And it’s not just an invisible problem on a scan. Weakened bones translate into fractures from the most minor of falls. Hips, spines, and wrists are the usual casualties. “To put it into perspective, women over 50 face a 15% lifetime risk of hip fracture, and recovering from one can seriously affect independence,” says Dr. Kalra.

Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

“HRT replaces the hormones your body no longer produces enough of after menopause, and this can significantly slow down bone loss,” says Dr. Kalra. Not only does it help bones maintain their density, but in some cases, it can even nudge bone strength upwards.

HRT isn’t a one-size-fits-all pill. It comes in forms that suit different lifestyles: tablets, patches, gels, and even sprays. For women with a uterus, progesterone usually joins the prescription party to protect the uterine lining. And along with stronger bones, many women also notice relief from hot flashes, night sweats, and that infamous menopause brain fog.

Is HRT Right for You?

Before you rush to the pharmacy, there are questions worth asking. “HRT works best for women who have severe menopausal symptoms or are at a high risk of osteoporosis,” says Dr. Kalra. Women who experience early menopause, particularly before age 45, are often strong candidates for HRT because their bones face years of oestrogen shortfall.

Safety concerns around HRT have caused plenty of headlines in the past. But newer research has changed the conversation. “When HRT is started within 10 years of menopause and before age 60, the benefits outweigh the risks for most women,” explains Dr. Kalra.

Still, the risks are not zero. There may be a slight increase in the chance of blood clots or breast cancer depending on personal health, the type of HRT, and how long it’s used. “That’s why an individualised discussion with your doctor is crucial. It’s about weighing your personal benefits against possible risks,” she stresses.

A Bigger Bone Health Plan

Dr. Kalra recommends thinking beyond medication. A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, regular exercise—particularly weight-bearing workouts—and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol are all essential. “HRT is most effective as part of a holistic bone health plan,” she says.

The Need for Personalised Care

There’s no “universal prescription” for menopause management. “The decision to start HRT must be highly individualised,” advises Dr. Kalra. Your doctor will consider your family history, existing health conditions, and results from a bone density scan. Together, you can discuss the type, dose, and duration of therapy that best fits your needs.

The conversation should cover not just symptoms but also your future risks. “It’s not about erasing menopause—it’s about empowering women to make informed choices so they can stay active and independent for years to come,” says Dr. Kalra.

Menopause may be inevitable, but brittle bones don’t have to be. With the right support, including HRT where appropriate, women can safeguard their bone health and dramatically reduce their risk of fractures. “Think of it as investing in your future mobility and independence,” Dr. Kalra concludes.

Autism is often painted as a childhood condition, usually spotted in the school playground when social quirks or communication differences raise eyebrows. But what happens when those children grow up without anyone connecting the dots? According to new research from King’s College London, the answer is unsettling: most autistic adults over 40 are still flying under the diagnostic radar.

The review, published in the Annual Review of Developmental Psychology, estimates that a staggering 89 per cent of people over 40 with autism remain undiagnosed. To put that into perspective, while around 23 per cent of autistic children under 19 are missed, nearly 96 per cent of those over 60 have never been recognised as autistic. That’s not just a gap; that’s a canyon.

The Age Factor

When the researchers broke it down by age and gender, the numbers looked even more lopsided. Among men aged 40 to 59, more than 91 per cent had never been diagnosed. For women in the same age group, the figure was almost 80 per cent. By the time people reached their sixties, both men and women crossed into the 96 to 97 per cent range of being undiagnosed.

Compare that with the 20 to 39 age group, where roughly half remained undiagnosed, and the generational divide becomes clear. Today’s younger adults are far more likely to be spotted, assessed and supported. Older adults, meanwhile, have often been left to muddle through without a name for their lifelong differences.

Why It Matters

Gavin Stewart, lead author of the study, explains that a lack of diagnosis means many autistic adults were never offered the right support, leaving them more vulnerable to age-related problems. These range from social isolation to poor physical and mental health.

The review found that autistic people in middle age and beyond have higher rates of almost every health condition compared to non-autistic peers, like heart disease, neurological issues, autoimmune disorders, gastrointestinal problems, anxiety and depression. Add age-related conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis and Parkinson’s disease, and the picture gets even more complicated.

Even more concerning, autistic older adults were six times more likely to report suicidal thoughts or self-harm and four times more likely to develop early-onset dementia.

The Hidden Struggles

The study highlighted another layer of challenge: healthcare itself. Many older autistic adults face obstacles in accessing medical support due to communication differences, sensory sensitivities or simply not knowing how to navigate the system. Combine that with a shortage of healthcare professionals trained in recognising autism in adults, and it’s no wonder so many cases slip through the cracks.

Professor Francesca Happé, co-author of the review, stresses that this is a global public health issue. “Understanding the needs of autistic people as they age is a pressing global public health concern. As autistic people age, the nature of the challenges they face changes. We must adopt a lifespan approach that funds long-term research, integrates tailored healthcare, and expands social supports so that ageing autistic people can live happy and healthy lives,” she says. In other words, autism doesn’t disappear after childhood, so neither should support.

Lost in the Shuffle

The findings also suggest that research into autism may have been skewed for years. If most older adults remain undiagnosed, then studies have largely overlooked them. That means our current understanding of how autistic people age is incomplete at best. No wonder policies and services have not caught up.

Employment struggles, strained relationships and social isolation were all noted as common experiences for older autistic adults. Without the framework of a diagnosis, many never knew why they felt out of step with the world, and their difficulties were often chalked up to personality flaws or “just how they are”.

Why a Diagnosis Still Matters

If you’re wondering whether getting a diagnosis later in life makes a difference, the answer is yes. Recognition can bring clarity, opening doors to support systems, healthcare adaptations and even financial benefits. It can also reshape how family, friends and colleagues understand a person’s behaviour and needs.

The NHS encourages adults who suspect they might be autistic to speak to their GP and ask about a referral for an assessment. Specialists can help by gathering life history, speaking with people who know you well and observing how you interact with others.

A Call for Change

The review ends with a clear message: it’s time to stop treating autism as a childhood-only issue. For too long, older autistic adults have been invisible, their experiences untold and their needs unmet. With diagnosis rates still alarmingly low, researchers are urging more studies, better services and a cultural shift that embraces autism across the lifespan.