Researchers have revealed the keys to preserving cognitive acuity as one ages.
In a recent publication in JAMA Neurology, a study pinpointed five lifestyle elements pivotal to maintaining brain health as individuals grow older.
By analyzing the autopsies of 586 individuals with an average lifespan of 91 years, the research correlated healthy practices with a diminished likelihood of cognitive deterioration, even among those exhibiting symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or dementia. These participants, enrolled in the Rush Memory and Aging Project, underwent routine cognitive and physical evaluations spanning over two decades.
The study identified participants as adhering to a healthy lifestyle if they adhered to specific daily guidelines:
No smoking.
Engage in moderate to vigorous exercise for at least 150 minutes per week.
Limit alcohol consumption to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
Participate in brain-stimulating activities such as reading, playing games, and visiting museums.
Follow a variation of the MIND diet, which includes green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, berries, nuts, olive oil, whole grains, fish, beans, poultry, and a glass of wine.
Dr. Klodian Dhana, the lead author, underscored the study's objective of investigating whether lifestyle choices could impact the onset of dementia amidst the natural aging process of the brain.
Participants who maintained healthier lifestyles showed reduced levels of beta-amyloid plaques, linked with Alzheimer’s disease, and performed better on cognitive assessments assessing memory and attention span.
These advantages remained consistent irrespective of whether participants exhibited signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s in their brains, underscoring the lasting influence of embracing these favorable lifestyle factors on cognitive health.
Sources- India Today
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