Gaby
Do you believe that you become more forgetful as you age? It turns out that just the thought of impending forgetfulness is enough to trigger a decline in mental activity.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania claim that certain thoughts can accelerate cognitive aging, particularly negative expectations about growing older.
The university team found that older adults who accept aging calmly tend to have better cognitive abilities and worry less about their decline.
How Was the Study Conducted?
The researchers involved 581 adults aged 65 to 90 living in the U.S. who had no diagnosed cognitive impairments. Participants were given a 12-question survey that revealed their views on physical and mental health, as well as cognitive abilities as they age.
The scientists also assessed the recent thinking and memory performance of the volunteers using an eight-question scale, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Next, the team compared the participants’ current cognitive abilities with what they believed their cognitive abilities were ten years ago.
The survey showed that those who expressed a more positive outlook on their physical and mental health, as well as cognitive functions as they age, performed better on cognitive tests.
“Expectations influence how individuals perceive their cognitive functions,” emphasized Nikki Gill, the lead author of the study. She added that shifting our expectations about aging in a positive direction—especially regarding how aging affects our brains—can contribute to “healthier cognitive aging.”
The researchers believe that educational programs challenging negative stereotypes about aging could help change attitudes toward the approach of old age. Such programs also showcase examples of harmonious aging and provide information about normal and concerning cognitive changes.
The findings of the study were published in the journal Aging & Mental Health.
By the way, there are over 55 million people worldwide suffering from dementia. Experts predict that this number will rise to 139 million by 2050.
