2026 Article Archive

May 2026

Acupressure for Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults: What a New Meta-Analysis Tells Us
By Heather Davis, MS, RDN, LDN

Clinicians managing older adults face a recurring challenge: how to address cognitive decline, including depression, in patients already burdened by polypharmacy and comorbidities. A newly published systematic review and meta-analysis offers evidence that acupressure—a noninvasive, low-cost therapy rooted in traditional Chinese medicine—may meaningfully improve cognitive function and mood in older adults with cognitive impairment (CI). The study is described by its authors as the first meta-analysis to examine acupressure's effects on cognition, mood, and activities of daily living (ADLs) in this population. The findings have practical relevance for geriatricians, neurologists, and rehabilitation therapists seeking evidence-based nonpharmacological options for this growing patient group.1 Read more »

April 2026

Dining With Dignity: Supporting Cognitive Health in Senior Dining Experiences
By Gila Singer, MS, RDN, CSG, CDN, FAND

As the “silver tsunami” continues to reshape demographics, prioritizing the cognitive well-being of older adults has become increasingly vital.1 Adults aged 65 years and older now represent more than 17% of Americans, and this group is projected to grow by nearly 30% over the next 25 years.2,3

With longevity on the rise, health care priorities are shifting from simply extending lifespan to enhancing quality of life, particularly by supporting cognitive health. Alzheimer’s disease currently affects nearly 7 million Americans, and dementia rates are projected to reach 131.5 million globally by 2050.2 A proactive approach to preserving cognition has never been more essential.

Supporting cognitive health and function is key to preserving autonomy, dignity, and vitality with age.1 One of the most powerful (and often overlooked) ways to promote cognitive wellness lies in the dining experience itself. Read more »

March 2026

When Loss Reshapes the Social World
By Heather Davis, MS, RDN, LDN

As individuals age, they are increasingly likely to face the deaths of spouses, siblings, and longtime friends. These losses often occur alongside other life transitions—retirement, declining health, and changes in mobility—that can gradually alter social networks and daily routines.

For many older adults, bereavement can lead to a profound shift in how they experience social connection. The death of a partner may remove a primary source of companionship, shared activities, and emotional support. Over time, this change can contribute to loneliness and social isolation, both of which are now recognized as important determinants of health in older populations.1

For clinicians and professionals working in geriatric care, understanding how grief interacts with loneliness and social isolation is increasingly important. Research suggests that these experiences can significantly influence emotional adjustment, physical health, and quality of life in later life.1 Read more »

February 2026

Hydration, Heart Health, and Aging Well
By Heather Davis, MS, RDN, LDN

Hiding in plain sight, the importance of hydration is often underestimated. For some, reaching for an expensive supplement claiming to enhance cardiovascular health and blunt cellular aging may seem like a more compelling option—with or without supporting evidence—than simply increasing daily water intake. But what if one of the most effective ways to support cardiometabolic health through the lifespan was also one of the most accessible? With the help of new research, it’s time to get back to basics and appreciate all that hydration brings to the table.

The human body is composed of roughly 60% water—a vital component for biochemical reactions, cellular structure, and physiological function. While short-term consequences of dehydration like fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and impaired cognition are well known, researchers have begun to illuminate potential long-term impacts of hydration status on aging, chronic disease, and mortality. Crucially, the concentration of sodium in the blood—often indicative of hydration levels—appears to correlate with biological aging and the risk of developing chronic illnesses.1 Read more »

January 2026

Addressing Food Insecurity and Healthy Aging Through Medically Tailored Meals

By Monica Yepes-Rios, MD, and Wendy Phillips, MS, RD, LD, FAND, FASPEN

Food insecurity remains a major issue across the country. According to the USDA, 12.8% of US households—about 17 million—experienced food insecurity in 2022, up from 10.2% in 2021.1

To address this issue, Cleveland Clinic and Morrison Healthcare collaborated on a study assessing impact and feasibility of medically tailored meals (MTMs). The study provided personalized meals to meet the therapeutic needs of patients with obesity, diabetes, and other conditions. MTMs not only treat disease but also reduce health care costs and utilization. The research was recently published in Nutrition and Health.2 Read more »