Memory naturally fades with age, but that does not always mean that dementia settles. Many elderly people experience minor tricks, known as senescent forgetfulness, which can remain stable or even improve. Understand what motivates these changes – and how to slow them down – can help preserve cognitive health and general well -being.
A long -term study, published in the British medical journalreveals six key lifestyles that can slow down the drop in memory. These habits prove to be beneficial even for genetically predisposed to dementia, offering hope to maintain brain function later in life.
Sutrating more than 29,000 adults aged 60 and over, the study lasted a decade from 2009 to 2019. The researchers analyzed participants through China, identifying behaviors that have a significant impact on memory retention. Their results highlight practical stages that could help aging populations remain lived longer.
Lifestyle habits that protect memory
The participants were grouped according to their membership of six healthy habits:
- Regular physical activity: At least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly.
- Balanced diet: Daily consumption of at least seven of the 12 recommended foods, including fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts and tea.
- Moderate alcohol contribution: Limited or non -alcohol consumption.
- Non-smoker: Either having never smoked or having quit smoking.
- Cognitive commitment: Activities such as reading or playing cards at least twice a week.
- Frequent social interaction: Meeting with friends, family or community groups at least twice a week.
The lifestyles of the participants were classified as favorable (four to six healthy habits), average (two to three) or unfavorable (zero to one).
Decline of slower memory in all risk groups
Memory tests and genetic screenings have revealed a convincing link between these habits and cognitive health. Individuals in the favorable group showed a slower rate of memory over the ten years, whether or not they counted the APOEε4 gene – a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
This observation highlights the potential of lifestyle changes to combat genetic risks. “Even those with the Apoeε4 gene benefited from healthier habits,” notes the study, offering hope to millions of people who carry this genetic marker.
The role of food and cognitive activity
Although previous research highlighted the importance of physical and mental exercise, this study highlights the central role of a balanced diet. Consuming a variety of nutrients rich in nutrients had the most significant impact on the preservation of memory.
Cognitive activities and social interaction have also emerged as key factors, demonstrating that mental stimulation and emotional well-being are vital for cognitive longevity.
Carol Brayne, public health expert at University of Cambridgepraised the study to expand the understanding of the impacts on the lifestyle on cognitive health, especially since it was led outside of Western countries with high income. She stressed that “engaging in various health -related activities, even later in life, positively influences cognitive function and memory”.
However, the dependence on the study on self -depressed data introduces potential inaccuracies. Participants may have already been predisposed to healthier lifestyles, which could have influenced the results. Despite these limits, the results align with an increasing set of evidence healthy life Promotes cognitive resilience.
Optimistic perspectives for aging populations
The study provides an encouraging message: changes in lifestyle can reverse or stabilize the decline in memory, reducing the risk of progression to dementia. According to the researchers, these results offer an “optimistic perspective” to preserve memory and cognitive health.
Experts agree that it is never too late to adopt healthier habits. Even small changes in physical activity, diet and social commitment can give significant advantages.
This global approach to brain health allows individuals to take proactive measures towards aging gracefully while maintaining a cognitive function.