Alzheimer's, Dementia & Mental Health
Less Educated at Greater Risk of Dementia But Study
Finds Ways to Compensate
Researchers say evidence suggests mental exercises
help some more than others
Jan. 11, 2010 - If you don't have a college degree,
you're at greater risk of developing memory problems or even
Alzheimer's. Education plays a key role in lifelong memory performance
and risk for dementia, and it's well documented that those with a
college degree possess a cognitive advantage over their less educated
counterparts in middle and old age. But, a new study shows there is hope
for those less educated.
A large national study from Brandeis University
published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry shows
that those with less schooling can significantly compensate for poorer
education by frequently engaging in mental exercises such as word games,
puzzles, reading, and lectures.
This supports several other studies
indicating that keeping a mind active, keeps it working.
"The lifelong benefits of higher education for
memory in later life are quite impressive, but we do not clearly
understand how and why these effects last so long," said lead author
Margie Lachman, a psychologist.
She suggested that higher education may spur
lifelong interest in cognitive endeavors, while those with less
education may not engage as frequently in mental exercises that help
keep the memory agile.
But education early in adulthood does not appear to
be the only route to maintain your memory. The study found that
intellectual activities undertaken regularly made a difference.
"Among individuals with low education, those who
engaged in reading, writing, attending lectures, doing word games or
puzzles once or week or more had memory scores similar to people with
more education," said Lachman.
The study, called Midlife in the United States,
assessed 3,343 men and women between the ages of 32 and 84 with a mean
age of 56 years. Almost 40 percent of the participants had at least a
4-year college degree.
The researchers evaluated how the participants
performed in two cognitive areas, verbal memory and executive
function—brain processes involved in planning, abstract thinking and
cognitive flexibility. Participants were given a battery of tests,
including tests of verbal fluency, word recall, and backward counting.
As expected those with higher education said they
engaged in cognitive activities more often and also did better on the
memory tests, but some with lower education also did well, explained
Lachman.
"The findings are promising because they suggest
there may be ways to level the playing field for those with lower
educational achievement, and protect those at greatest risk for memory
declines," said Lachman.
"Although we can not rule out the possibility that
those who have better memories are the ones who take on more activities,
the evidence is consistent with cognitive plasticity, and suggests some
degree of personal control over cognitive functioning in adulthood by
adopting an intellectually active lifestyle."
The study was supported by the National Institute
on Aging.
Links to more reports of how keeping your mind
active, fights cognitive decline
Claims that ‘Brain Exercise’ Does Not Slow Cognitive
Decline Challenged by Major Studies
Story grabbed headlines like, ‘$80 million per year
brain exercise industry a crock?; as new studies show brain training
helps
By Tucker Sutherland,
editor & publisher - Feb. 20, 2009
Studies on How to Keep an Aging Mind Healthy are
Pointing to Three Key Steps
It’s not a stretch to think we may begin hiring brain
coaches in addition to physical fitness trainers
Dec. 2, 2008
First Study Using Exercise to Slow Cognitive Decline
in Older Americans Finds Success
Slowing Alzheimer’s by a year could prevent 9.2
million cases, as world prepares for 106 million victims by 2050
Sept. 2, 2008
New Evidence that Active Social Life Delays Memory Loss for Elderly
Seniors with highest social activity had the slowest
rate of memory decline
June 4, 2008
Ten Minutes of Conversation Improves Memory as Much
as Games
A friend may help you stay sharp just as much as a
daily crossword puzzle
Oct. 29, 2007
Team that Inspired 'Use it or lose it' Confirms
Mental Activity Protects Against Alzheimer's
Frequent brain stimulation by senior citizens reduces
risk of Alzheimer's disease
June 27, 2007
Senior Citizens With Most Education Live Longer
Without Cognitive Loss but Die Faster
As education levels increase, time with cognitive
impairment declines
May 12, 2008
Memory, Cognitive Loss Decreasing in Older
Americans: Great News for Seniors, Boomers
Better education, finances and cardiovascular care
may be boosting brain health for elderly
Feb. 20, 2008
Lack of Imagination in Senior Citizens Indicates
Declining Memory
To create imagined future events, seniors must be
able to remember details of past events
Jan 8, 2008
Elderly with Mild Memory Problems Benefit from
Cognitive Training Not Relying on Memorization
The participants averaged 74 years of age and 14
years of education
Nov. 30, 2007
Senior Citizens Improve Memory, Mental Abilities
with Right Brain Exercises
Presentation today to Gerontological Society says
'Brain Fitness Program' does trick
Nov. 19, 2007
Almost 14% of Senior Citizens over 70 Have Dementia,
10% have Alzheimer’s
Dementia escalates rapidly for the elderly, passes
37% at age 90
Oct. 30, 2007
Dementia Destroys Memory of Better Educated at
Faster Rate
Rate of cognitive decline accelerate 4% faster for
each year of education
Oct. 23, 2007
