Even if you don't have diabetes, lowering your blood-glucose levels

may be good for your brain. Columbia University scientists report that

higher levels of blood glucose are associated with dysfunction in an

area of the brain's hippocampus; dysfunction in this part of the brain

 with normal aging is known to contribute to cognitive decline.

The MRI-scan study of 240 dementia-free adults age 65 and older

included both diabetics and non-diabetics. Negative effects on the

brain could be seen even when blood sugar was only moderately

elevated. "We have a behavioral recommendation—physical exercise,"

said researchers, noting that exercise improves glucose regulation.—

Annals of Neurology.