A recently published study by researchers Yue Leng and Kristine Yaffe provides compelling evidence that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is positively correlated with improved cognitive performance in older adults. ing. This study highlights the importance of active health and lifestyle strategies as a preventive measure against cognitive decline.
understand the research
Researchers conducted a cohort study using data from the Rush Memory and Aging Project. The study included 754 deaths and focused on the correlation between a healthy lifestyle and cognitive function. A healthy lifestyle score was calculated based on factors such as physical activity, diet, and cognitive activity. The results showed that higher lifestyle scores were associated with better overall cognitive function closer to death. This association remained strong even when common dementia-related brain lesions were included in the analysis.
healthy lifestyle and cognitive function
A healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, a nutritious diet, smoking cessation, and moderate alcohol consumption can slow cognitive decline, even in people diagnosed with dementia. The study evaluated the health data of 586 people and found that a healthier lifestyle was associated with better cognitive function, regardless of the presence of brain lesions such as Alzheimer's disease. The results of this study consistently demonstrate that a healthy lifestyle has many benefits for cognitive function and may reduce the risk of dementia, even in people who are genetically predisposed to dementia. is showing.
Effects of exercise and diet
Engaging in physical activity and cognitive stimulation increases blood flow to the brain, improves heart health, increases brain activity, and increases brain volume. This study specifically highlighted the benefits of the Mediterranean DASH Neurodegeneration Delayed Intervention (MIND) diet in maintaining cognitive health. A healthy lifestyle may also prevent neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.
Quantifying benefits
The study found that for every 1-point increase in healthy lifestyle scores, beta-amyloid burden in the brain decreased by 0.120 units and standardized scores for cognitive performance increased by 0.22 units. The cognitive benefits were maintained regardless of whether any of the five neurological conditions were present. Furthermore, over 88% of a person's overall cognitive score was directly related to lifestyle, and the remaining just under 12% was affected by the presence of beta amyloid.
conclusion
The findings highlight that investments in health now can pay dividends later in life. The influence of lifestyle on cognitive function is strongest in older adults without dementia, but older adults with pre-existing brain disease can also benefit from participating in social, cognitive, and physical activities. There is a gender. In summary, maintaining a healthy lifestyle may significantly contribute to attenuating age-related cognitive decline in older adults, independent of dementia and Alzheimer's disease neuropathology.
