Dementia On the Downslide, Especially in Those With More Education
The University of Michigan has conducted research that suggests that positive brain health may decrease ones chances in developing dementia. There are less recorded cases of dementia today in America than there have been in the past. This makes sense because today's seniors are more likely to at least have a high school diploma than those in the same age range from decades ago. This suggests that higher levels of education can actually decrease your chances of developing dementia as you age. The results of this study suggest a brighter future with decreased cases of dementia because we value high levels of education and more men and women are going to college than decades before.
Sad news of dementia is always popping up on media sites but this study may help policy makers adjust their predications on the future of Alzheimer's in our society. Researchers hope to learn more about what leads to dementia in order to preventatively treat symptoms.
http://neurosciencenews.com/education-dementia-falling-5563/
Sara my mother in law at 84 has early signs of dementia, and she was told to challenge her mind by reading, doing crossward puzzles. In your reading what other methods can help prolong dementia? Thank you
ReplyDeleteI actually just read an article about this in the New York Times for my psychology of aging class. It is hopeful to see studies such as these because it gives people hope that this will not affect their future. The article I read explained that dementia is not necessarily disappearing, but
ReplyDeleteeducation slows down the detereoration. People are showing signs of dementia much later in life and have more "good" years. I do not necessarily believe that attaining many college degrees will lessen your chance of getting dementia, but rather it is the continuation of learning and forming new connections in the brain. If we perform the same mundane tasks day in and day out, we will loose more connections over time, weakening memory.
My grandmother has dementia and it's interesting to hear new research that suggests that higher education is one way of promoting positive brain health and functioning. My grandmother received a master's degree in education and teaching but is now suffering from severe dementia and in comparison to others with dementia of her age she does not seem to be doing any better than her counterparts who did not receive a college education. This makes me want to look into the research more to find out if their sample was truly representative of the population and see what the true correlation between dementia and higher education is. In the reading what specific areas of the brain are impacted, and in what ways, that decrease chances of dementia development? Additionally, does this information also apply to those who are genetically predisposed to dementia development?
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother has been struggling with dementia for almost a year now. She worries about bills that were paid ten years ago and has trouble telling her sons apart. Last time I visited I spent thrity or forty minutes reading an example bill to her and tried to explain that this isn't a real bill. I'm glad to hear something positive about dementia.
ReplyDeleteI was watching a news program where a man with Alzheimer’s was interviewed. The reporter asked him “who the woman was next to him?” He replied stating “she seems like a sister.” Meanwhile, she was his wife of 51 years. Alzheimer’s being a neurodegenerative disease and a form of dementia can be very challenging on family. It affects loved ones, as they witness their family member’s memory slowly fading away. Regrettably, someone with this disease could also experience mood swings and depression, resulting in decreased motivation to perform daily activities. I found it interesting, that the level of one’s education could influence the risk of developing dementia. Thank you for sharing your experience.
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