News Above the Noise—Week of May 10, 2026
1. Inside the Brain-Health Supplement Craze
About 1 in 5 adults over 50 now take vitamins or supplements specifically targeting cognitive aging, but researchers warn the placebo effect may be doing more heavy lifting than the ingredients themselves. Only one supplement has been shown in clinical trials to measurably slow cognitive aging, and the most reliable brain-protective habits remain in our daily habits. Read more here.
2. Clinical Jargon Closed Her In, Poetry Opened the Door
A handwritten Emily Dickinson quote discovered at a Los Angeles gym became an unlikely anchor through treatment and surgeries. In waiting rooms, the writer found fliers for poetry workshops, reading groups, nutrition classes, and group therapy. She then realized she wasn't alone in turning to verse. Read more here.
3. What Does Your Gut Have to Do With Alzheimer’s? For Women, Turns Out a Lot.
Three grants have been awarded targeting some of the least understood risk factors for the disease in women. The projects focus on gut-brain signals that may predict cognitive decline before it starts, how menopause and genetics combine to affect memory, and whether structured strength training can protect against the muscle loss tied to early-stage Alzheimer's. Read more here.
4. How to Fix Your Shrinking Friend Group
Adult friendships are harder to maintain than most people expect, and research shows the consequences go beyond just feeling lonely. The structural forces behind the drift are more common than people realize, and easier to fix than they think. Read more here.
Editor's Note: Every week, The Sunday Paper's team of journalists sift through the news to find what Rises Above the Noise, makes sense of what's happening in the world, and provides hope for your week to come. While we do our best to provide our own informative summary of each piece, some publications require their own subscriptions beyond our control.
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