A systematic review and meta-analysis conducted by Mario Sierravo from Curtin University, together with colleagues from five different countries, established that age-related muscle atrophy, known as sarcopenia, is associated with an increased risk of developing any type of dementia.
Furthermore, the authors found that the relationship between obesity and dementia risk depends on the person's age.
To conduct the study, a search was carried out in databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database, and PsycINFO, covering the period up to February 2026. Eighty-three cohort studies were included in the analysis: 14 related to sarcopenia, 72 to obesity, and four examined sarcopenic obesity (in some cases, more than one condition was analyzed).
The calculation of pooled risks was performed using random-effects models. The results of this study were officially published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition.
According to an article published in the journal PlosOne, vitamin C has shown positive impacts on the brain, and it is found in oranges and other citrus fruits. Researchers identified a link between this micronutrient, better neuronal function, and greater brain structural integrity.
To investigate this connection, Japanese scientists analyzed 2,044 elderly individuals, examining tests such as magnetic resonance imaging alongside blood nutrient levels. Since this is a cross-sectional study, it serves to raise hypotheses but does not offer definitive proof, functioning as a snapshot of a specific moment.
Celso Cukier, a nutritionist at Einstein Israelite Hospital, commented that some participants might already have had a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet, which could have contributed to good vitamin levels at the time of the exams.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, belongs to the group of water-soluble vitamins, meaning it dissolves in water, is absorbed by the body, and any excess is excreted through urine. It is important to note that excessive consumption of this nutrient can increase the risk of kidney stone formation. Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, which are stored in the body, water-soluble vitamins require continuous and balanced intake, avoiding excesses.
Cukier emphasizes that, despite the study indicating a correlation, its findings do not justify the use of vitamin C supplements specifically for the brain, as no single nutrient guarantees benefits alone; the overall context is fundamental. He recommends focusing on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and other foods that provide antioxidant substances and protective properties.
Various studies have already indicated that antioxidant compounds are vital for brain function and for reducing the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer's. A nutritionist, Lara Natacci, who completed postdoctoral research at the Faculty of Public Health of the University of São Paulo (USP) investigating the relationship between diet and mental health, explains that the brain is metabolically very active, generating numerous reactions that lead to the production of free radicals. Excess molecules can cause damage and impair cognitive functions.
In addition to vitamin C, it is advisable to include other antioxidants in your routine, such as carotenoids found in carrots, tomatoes, and spinach, and polyphenols present in grapes, açai, jabuticaba, apples, coffee, and green tea. Vitamins A and E, found in egg yolks, pumpkin, olive oil, and nuts, as well as minerals like selenium and zinc, found in nuts and seafood, should also be considered. All these elements help neutralize free radicals, minimizing oxidative processes and supporting the maintenance of neuronal functions.
In addition to its antioxidant function, the nutritionist mentions that vitamin C, when ingested through diet, participates in the production of neurotransmitters—the chemical messengers responsible for communication between neurons—and contributes to the integrity of blood vessels, thus protecting the organ.
In terms of physical health, vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, a protein that gives firmness and support to the skin, and integrates other tissues, including bones. It also optimizes the absorption of iron from vegetables, making it an ally in preventing anemia. This occurs because vitamin C helps convert ferric mineral into ferrous iron, making it more soluble and facilitating its uptake by intestinal cells.
Lara Natacci reinforces that the micronutrient also strengthens the immune system, but warns that high doses will not result in a significant increase in immunity. Excess, in fact, can cause pro-oxidant effects.
To ensure daily intake, consuming citrus fruits is a good strategy, but they are not the only source. The USP specialist lists acerola, cashew, guava, strawberry, and papaya as examples of vitamin C-rich fruits. Other options include bell peppers, kale, broccoli, tomato, and parsley. It is best to consume these foods raw, as heat accelerates oxidative processes, causing nutrient loss.
Regarding juices, the tip is to consume them quickly; otherwise, keeping them refrigerated in dark containers helps preserve the nutrient. The final suggestion is to diversify both recipes and sources to enrich the daily diet.
Gulasal Saidazim Oibekova successfully defended her doctoral dissertation in medical sciences. The topic of her work was the study of 'disruptions in the functional activity of the sympathoadrenal system during the development of hypertensive disease in young people and prevention measures.'
Many diseases can develop unnoticed, and potential signs may remain unrecognized until the illness progresses. Although regular medical check-ups play an important role in early risk detection, this is not always a priority in the fast pace of daily life. Here, wearable technologies begin to play a more significant role, helping to increase users' awareness of their health in their daily routine.
The HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Pro is designed to support this level of awareness by offering research-based features that assess the potential risk of developing ischemic heart disease and diabetes in users. By combining continuous monitoring with structured assessments, the watch transforms daily health data into more understandable information that can prompt earlier consultation with a doctor.
Ischemic heart disease can develop gradually, and warning signs are sometimes missed until a serious deterioration in condition occurs. Therefore, raising awareness of possible risk factors plays an important role in encouraging people to seek medical help in a timely manner.
The HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Pro supports an ischemic heart disease risk study that uses a combination of questionnaire responses, static ECG measurements, and health data collected over several days. To participate, users first complete a questionnaire via the HUAWEI Research app on their smartphone. They then perform static ECG measurements and wear the watch continuously during daytime activity and sleep for three to four days.
After collecting sufficient data, the system generates a risk assessment report. If the results indicate an increased potential risk, users are advised to consult a healthcare professional, undergo further examination, and consider appropriate steps to manage their health. According to Huawei, this is the first and only smartwatch brand to offer such an ischemic heart disease risk assessment capability.
The HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Pro also provides a diabetes risk assessment, helping users better understand their potential risk of hyperglycemia. By analyzing physiological data and identifying abnormal metabolic signals, the assessment gives the user insight into their potential risk level. If the assessed risk increases, the system may recommend lifestyle changes or prompt the user to seek professional medical help.
This can make risk awareness more accessible, especially for people who might not recognize early changes or have not had a recent medical check-up. It can also motivate users to pay more attention to factors such as physical activity, sleep, nutrition, and overall lifestyle. The value of these features lies in their ability to transform regularly collected health data into information that users can discuss with qualified medical specialists. Instead of presenting isolated measurements, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 7 Pro combines multiple indicators to provide a broader view of potential health risks.
This marks a significant shift in wearable technology—moving from simply recording what happened to assisting users in recognizing what needs attention. The ischemic heart disease and diabetes risk assessment features are intended to support health awareness and research. They are not meant to diagnose medical conditions or replace professional medical consultation, testing, or treatment. The availability of these features may also vary depending on the market and applicable regulations.
