In 2025, Changhu Sun and a team from Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine looked at data from 2,207 older adults in the US from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011-2014). They created a score called the Dietary Index for Gut Microbiota to see how foods that help good gut bugs—like fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans, yogurt, and fish—affect thinking skills.

In 2025, Qin Yang and team conducted a randomized, single-blind, crossover trial with 55 healthy older adults to explore transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), a form of red light therapy using a 1064-nm laser on the left forehead. Using fNIRS, they measured brain connectivity and assessed working memory via the 3-back task before and after active or sham tPBM sessions.

In various studies from 2013 to 2023, researchers like those from the University of Manchester and NBER analyzed data from thousands of retirees in cohort and longitudinal setups. They tracked health changes post-retirement, focusing on cognitive, physical, and mental aspects, adjusting for age, job type, and voluntary status.

Creatine’s known benefits for muscle energy appear to extend to the brain—boosting cognitive function via enhanced cellular energy supply. The memory improvements were consistent across sexes and independent of body composition changes, suggesting creatine supports brain performance directly.

A 2025 study from the University of Southern California discovered that neurons in the ventral hippocampus store detailed memories of meals—what you ate and when. These brain “engrams” communicate with hunger centers, helping you feel full between meals.

In 2025, Dr. Richard Kreider of Texas A&M reviewed 685 clinical trials and found creatine to be not only safe, but vital for healthy aging. Beyond muscle gains, creatine powers brain cells, supports cognitive function, protects against stress, and helps older adults retain muscle and memory.