A new study reports that key mental skills drop by as much as 15 years before death, even without dementia. The skills include verbal ability, spatial reasoning and perceptual speed. This is not part of the aging process. Researchers from Sweden point to undetected dementia, insufficient physical and mental exercise, and perhaps early heart disease that interrupt blood flow to the brain.

If you don’t hit the gym in Alabama, it may cost you. The State Employees’ Insurance Board plans to impose an extra tax of $25 a month on any employees who has high blood pressure, high cholesterol, is overweight and obese. Add that to a smokers' tax of $25 - but not everyone agrees negative incentives work.

For decades doctors have warned people about the risk of developing the painful digestive disorder known as diverticulitis to avoid eating corn on the cob, popcorn, nuts and various seeds. But a recent study found no scientific evidence to support current recommendations.

A new study in the journal Cancer finds long-term exposure can increase the risk of developing cancers of the respiratory tracts. The association is consistent with a large number of studies identifying carcinogens in incense smoke.

Eli Lilly and Amylin Pharmaceuticals now say there have been four deaths associated with their drug for type-2 diabetes, Byetta.  Amylin shares plunged by 24 percent at midday after executives disclosed Tuesday night the additional deaths "in the interest of transparency."

Don't believe alcohol has much to do with cancer?  Then you likely are from a wealthier country. This international survey on attitudes about cancer causes and cures finds striking differences- among them- most lower income countries want the doctor to make all treatment decisions.

While the U.S. Census Bureau in its August report finds that slightly more Americans have health insurance, that is largely due to increasing enrollments from the state and federal government.  As the troubled economy forces employers and states to cut costs further, many fear our insurance crisis is not over.

Babies born before 37 weeks of age are subject to a host of problems, and researchers are finding that infections in the amniotic fluid may be one cause. Better screening for bacterial and fungal infections mid-pregnancy may help reduce the number of babies born prematurely.

The third death nationally from West Nile virus puts everyone on alert during this mosquito season. While new repellants are being developed, some natural alternatives are available now.

A new report estimates 72 million U.S. adults are having problems paying their medical bills, forcing them to make tough financial choices. The report findings support mounting evidence that the health system is falling short of where it needs to be to ensure good health and economic security.