Posted on: May 21, 2008
Memory Masters
They're young at heart and lifetime learners - a new study reveals that the minds of 70-year-olds are sharper than ever
By Melanie Wanzek
CTW Features
Bad news for all of those who claim "senior moments" for forgetfulness at work and home - it might be time to look for a new excuse.
But there's a good reason: A new study led by two University of Michigan Medical School physicians shows that the rate of "cognitive impairment" - a term describing everything from significant memory loss to dementia - is dropping among Americans aged 70 and older.
The occurrence of cognitive impairment dropped from 12.2 percent to 8.7 percent between 1993 and 2002, representing a difference of hundreds of thousands of people. Researchers believe this significant change may be in part from the increase in formal education, higher economic status and better care for risk factors (such as high blood pressure and cholesterol) during the span of the study.
Researchers say the data supports new theories on protecting the brain, including the importance physical activity and mental engagement.
"The evidence seems to be showing that staying mentally engaged with the world in any fashion - reading, talking with friends, going to church, going to the movies - is also likely to help reduce your risk down the road," says lead author Kenneth Langa, M.D., Ph.D.
But baby-boomers beware: researchers caution that these results might be offset by the growing rate of type 2 diabetes among elderly and the unhealthy eating and exercise habits of middle-aged and young people. Keep your mind sharp through walking, balanced eating and mental engagements like conversations and crossword puzzles.
