We’re not growing older. We’re growing sharper.
That is the conclusion of researchers who found that older Americans were less likely to experience memory loss and other cognitive problems than they were a decade before.
Writing in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, the
We’re not growing older. We’re growing sharper.
That is the conclusion of researchers who found that older Americans were less likely to experience memory loss and other cognitive problems than they were a decade before.
Writing in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, the researchers said that when the thinking skills of 7,000 people were tested in 2003 and compared with those in a similar group in 1993, there was significant improvement. Just 8.7 percent of the newer group were found to have problems with memory or performing mental calculations, compared with 12.2 percent in the earlier group.
The improvement, the scientists wrote, “suggests that over all, the combined impact of recent trends in medical, lifestyle, demographic and social factors has been positive for the cognitive health of older Americans.”
The researchers, led by Dr. Kenneth M. Langa of the University of Michigan, said several reasons might explain the decline. A big part of the explanation may be that the people in 2003 had more schooling and were more likely to participate in intellectually stimulating activities in late life.
Research has shown that people who are better educated may develop more of what is known as cognitive reserve, giving them more of a cushion when illness and age take their toll.
Yet the broad problem remains. “The absolute number of people with Alzheimer’s and dementia is still going to go up significantly as the baby boomers hit 70,” Dr. Langa said.Continue reading the main story