High-Salt Diet Linked to Faster Memory Decline in Men, Study Finds

A new study by researchers at Edith Cowan University has found that a diet high in salt may accelerate memory decline in men, highlighting the growing link between nutrition and long-term brain health.

The study, published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging, examined how sodium intake affects cognitive performance over time, particularly episodic memory, which is responsible for recalling personal experiences and everyday events.

Researchers tracked 1,208 adults over a 72-month period, analysing baseline sodium consumption and monitoring changes in cognitive function.

Findings showed that men with higher sodium intake experienced a significantly faster decline in episodic memory compared to those with lower salt consumption. However, the study found no significant association between sodium intake and memory decline in women.

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Episodic memory plays a crucial role in daily life, helping individuals remember routine experiences such as locations, conversations, and important personal events.

Lead researcher Samantha Gardener explained that while the exact biological mechanisms are still being studied, high salt intake may contribute to brain inflammation, vascular damage, and reduced blood flow to the brain, all of which can negatively affect cognitive performance over time.

Sodium is essential for normal body function, but excessive consumption has long been associated with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and stroke risk, conditions that are also linked to cognitive decline and dementia in later life.

Health experts note that the findings reinforce global dietary recommendations to limit excessive salt intake, particularly as populations age and the burden of neurodegenerative diseases continues to rise.

The study adds to a growing body of research suggesting that dietary patterns—such as reduced sodium intake and balanced nutrition—may play an important role in protecting brain health and memory function across the lifespan.

High-Salt Diet Linked to Faster Memory Decline in Men, Study Finds

Lassa Fever: Lagos Raises Alarm as Nigeria Records 660 Cases, 167 Deaths

The Lagos State Government has raised a public health alert over a worsening Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria, announcing the launch of a statewide awareness and prevention campaign as infections and fatalities continue to rise across multiple states.

The warning was issued by the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, who revealed that Nigeria is currently experiencing one of its most severe Lassa fever outbreaks in recent years, with over 660 confirmed cases and 167 deaths recorded between January and mid-March 2026.

He said the outbreak has now spread across 22 states and 93 local government areas, describing it as a serious national health threat requiring urgent, coordinated intervention from federal and state authorities.

The Commissioner expressed concern over infections among healthcare workers, disclosing that at least 38 health personnel have contracted the virus, while three doctors have died. He warned that infections among frontline workers signal a dangerous escalation that demands stricter infection control measures in hospitals and clinics.

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Lassa fever, a viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted mainly through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents, can also spread between humans, particularly in healthcare settings with poor infection prevention practices.

Health authorities noted that Nigeria’s repeated outbreaks are being driven by environmental and behavioural factors, including poor sanitation, increased rodent exposure, deforestation, and climate-related ecological changes that bring humans closer to animal reservoirs of the virus.

Although Lagos is not classified as an endemic state, officials warned that its high population density and constant movement of people in and out of the state make it highly vulnerable to imported infections and rapid community spread if not quickly contained.

The Commissioner further warned that up to 70 per cent of infected individuals may show mild or no symptoms, increasing the risk of silent transmission in densely populated urban areas such as Lagos. He also noted that about one in five symptomatic cases can become severe or fatal, especially when diagnosis and treatment are delayed.

Lassa fever was described alongside diseases such as Ebola and Marburg virus disease as a high-risk pathogen capable of overwhelming health systems if not properly managed.

To respond to the rising threat, Lagos has activated a 24-hour Emergency Operations Centre, strengthened surveillance systems, and deployed digital health tools to improve early detection and reporting of suspected cases. Healthcare workers have also received additional training on infection prevention, biosecurity, and emergency response protocols.

The state government confirmed it is working closely with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the Federal Ministry of Health, and specialist treatment centres to coordinate national response efforts.

As part of the response, Lagos has launched a statewide Lassa fever awareness campaign targeting markets, schools, transport hubs, and communities. Residents are being urged to maintain hygiene, store food properly, avoid rodent exposure, and seek early medical attention if symptoms such as fever, weakness, or unexplained bleeding appear.

Officials stressed that early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve survival rates and urged the public to remain calm but vigilant as efforts continue to contain the outbreak.

Lassa Fever: Lagos Raises Alarm as Nigeria Records 660 Cases, 167 Deaths

Making Up for Lost Sleep Might Be Healthier Than Experts Once Believed — What Science Says

Many of us occasionally lose sleep due to work, stress, travel, or life’s demands — and for years, experts warned that those lost hours could have lasting harm. However, recent research suggests that catching up on sleep — sometimes called “sleep recovery” — may be more beneficial than previously thought, helping to restore cognitive function, reduce stress, and improve overall wellbeing.

What Happens When You Lose Sleep

Sleep plays a critical role in memory consolidation, immune function, and metabolic regulation. Missing sleep — even for a single night — can lead to increased hunger, reduced concentration, impaired decision‑making, and mood disruptions. Chronic sleep loss has been linked to higher risk for conditions such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and cognitive decline.

For years, some scientists argued that lost sleep could never be fully recovered — meaning the body and brain would continue to suffer even if you slept longer later. But newer research is challenging that idea.

Can You Truly “Make Up” Lost Sleep?

Emerging studies show that catching up on sleep on weekends or after periods of short sleep can help reverse many negative effects. When you sleep extra after sleep deprivation, your body tends to spend more time in deep restorative stages of sleep, which supports immune function, tissue repair, and memory processing.

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One study found that people who slept longer after periods of deprivation performed better on cognitive tasks than those who didn’t make up for lost sleep. Another study showed improved metabolic health and mood in participants who allowed themselves extra sleep following a week of restricted rest.

Why Sleep Recovery May Work

During sleep, especially in deep non‑REM stages, the brain clears out metabolic waste and strengthens neural connections. When you’re sleep‑deprived, this restorative process is disrupted. Sleeping more afterward allows your brain to catch up on essential maintenance work, which may explain why recovery sleep can improve alertness and mood.

Experts also believe that extra sleep helps regulate hormones involved in appetite, stress response, and inflammation — helping the body return to a healthier balance after sleep loss.

How to Make Up Lost Sleep the Right Way

Here are practical ways to help your body recover after a period of insufficient sleep:

• Gradually increase sleep time: Add an extra 1–2 hours of sleep per night rather than trying to “crash” for one long sleep.
• Nap strategically: Short naps (20–30 minutes) can improve alertness and performance without disrupting nighttime sleep.
• Prioritize deep sleep: Create a calm, dark, and cool sleep environment to support deeper restorative sleep stages.
• Keep consistent sleep routines: Going to bed and waking up at similar times helps your body repair its internal clock.

What This Means for Overall Health

Although regular, consistent sleep every night is ideal, making up lost sleep when needed can be a valuable tool for physical and mental restoration. It’s especially relevant for people who occasionally experience sleep disruption due to travel, work schedules, or personal responsibilities.

However, chronic sleep deprivation shouldn’t be seen as harmless — consistently ignoring your body’s need for rest still poses health risks. Recovery sleep can help, but it’s not a substitute for healthy sleep habits.

Making Up for Lost Sleep Might Be Healthier Than Experts Once Believed — What Science Says