Researchers from the Capital Medical University of China found that a healthy lifestyle is associated with slower memory loss in the elderly, even in people with a genetic predisposition to dementia. Research published BMJ.
The researchers analyzed data from 29,000 adults who were at least 60 years old without memory impairment. At the start of the study in 2009, researchers assessed participants’ memory using the Auditory-Verbal Learning Test (AVLT). At the same time, the scientists found that 20% of the participants had a version of the APOE gene associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Patients were retested for memory four more times several years apart.
The Healthy Lifestyle Assessment focused on six factors: healthy diet, regular physical activity, social contact (like seeing friends and family), cognitive activity (reading, playing mahjong, etc.), smoking status, and drinking.
After taking into account a number of other medical, economic, and social factors, the researchers found that every aspect of a healthy lifestyle slowed memory loss. Participants who led a healthy lifestyle had a 90% lower risk of dementia and a 30% lower risk of mild cognitive impairment than the unhealthy lifestyle group.
A healthy diet had the strongest effect in slowing memory decline, followed by cognitive activity, followed by exercise. This effect persisted even in people at high genetic risk.
The scientists believe their results provide strong evidence that adherence to a healthy lifestyle is associated with slower rates of memory decline, even in people who are genetically predisposed to dementia.
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Source: Gazeta
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