As people age, they often show a slight decline in the ability to remember or process new information. This is different from the development of dementia and is often referred to as normal age-related changes. It has commonly been thought that this kind of cognitive decline doesn't typically show up until after the age of 60; however, a study published two days ago in the journal BMJ asserts that declines in memory and reasoning can surface as early as 45.
This recent study involved 7390 participants. Researchers tested men and women three times a year for 10 years to measure their cognitive abilities on various tests. The results indicated an overall gradual decline for both men and women in all age categories tested, even in the youngest age group of 45-49. (The exception for this decline was in the area of vocabulary, which often remains more stable.)
Why is this important (as well as scary)? There have been several other previous studies concluding that little or no cognitive decline is found in typical adults before age 55 or 60. If this new study is correct, it could impact the way we do research on prevention and treatment for Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. Not all age-related brain changes develop into Alzheimer's, but if brain changes are beginning decades before we previously thought, we should be conducting research and treatment far earlier in the process.
Also, this study serves as a reminder for those of us who put off exercise and healthy eating for later in life, thinking that we'll change our habits when we're older or when we start to have medical problems. Physical exercise, mental exercise, and a healthy diet all contribute to a healthy brain. This latest research underscores the importance of being intentional with maintaining an active, healthy body and mind now, no matter what your age.
So, what's one thing you're going to do today to improve your health?
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