Even a short workout can keep your brain young; AI flags hard-to-spot breast cancer missed in mammograms; is the shingles vaccine good for your heart? – Morning Medical Update

Author(s):

Austin Littrell

Fact checked by:

Keith A. Reynolds

Key Takeaways

Intense physical activity, even in small doses, can enhance brain health, slow aging, and reduce dementia risk by 40% through improved blood flow and immune function.
AI has the potential to identify 76% of interval breast cancers missed by radiologists, potentially reducing interval cancer rates by up to 30%.
Shingles vaccination is linked to a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular events, with benefits lasting up to eight years, especially in men and younger adults.

The top news stories in medicine today.

Working out for a younger brain

Even small doses of intense physical activity — like brisk walking that leaves you breathless — can significantly protect brain health and slow aging, according to a new review in The Lancet by researchers at NTNU and Australia’s Queensland Brain Institute. The findings highlight how exercise boosts brain blood flow, plasticity and immune function, potentially reducing dementia risk by 40%.

“A little is better than nothing,” researchers say, urging clearer public guidance on brain benefits from microtraining.

AI flags hard-to-spot breast cancer missed in routine mammograms

Artificial intelligence flagged 76% of interval breast cancers missed by radiologists in past mammograms, according to a UCLA study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The tool showed strong potential in catching subtle or missed signs of cancer earlier, which researchers say could reduce interval breast cancer rates by up to 30%. While not yet accurate enough to work alone, AI could serve as a valuable second set of eyes to improve early detection and save lives.

Shingles vaccine linked to lower risk of heart disease

People who receive a shingles vaccine have a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular events — including stroke, heart failure, and coronary heart disease — according to a study of 1.2 million adults published in the European Heart Journal. The protective effects lasted up to eight years and were strongest in men, younger adults and those with unhealthy lifestyles. Researchers believe the vaccine may reduce inflammation and blood vessel damage caused by shingles, offering unexpected heart health benefits beyond rash prevention.