Good Vibes Only: Study Finds Positive Attitude Can Improve Brain Health in Seniors

Quick Smiles:

• Feeling happy about getting older can reverse mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a common type of memory loss in older adults, according to a groundbreaking study from Yale.
• Older people with MCI who maintained a positive attitude towards aging were 30 percent more likely to regain normal cognition and recover up to two years earlier compared to those with a negative attitude.
• Cultivating positive age beliefs and attitudes towards aging could have long-term benefits for cognitive health in older adults, as demonstrated by this first-of-its-kind study funded by the National Institute on Aging.

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Age is just a number, and feeling happy about getting older could be the key to reversing memory loss, according to a groundbreaking study from Yale. The study, conducted by the Yale School of Public Health, is the first of its kind to link a positive attitude towards aging with the recovery of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a common type of memory loss that affects older adults.

The research, based on a sample of 1,716 participants over the age of 65, revealed that older people with MCI who maintained an upbeat outlook were 30 percent more likely to regain normal cognition compared to those who had a negative attitude towards aging. What’s more, participants who approached their silver years with cheerfulness were able to recover their cognition up to two years earlier than their counterparts who were not as positive.

Professor Becca Levy, the lead author of the study, explained that while many people assume that there is no recovery from MCI, in fact, half of those who have it do recover. However, little is known about why some individuals recover while others do not. That’s why the study examined the role of positive age beliefs in MCI recovery.

“Our previous research has demonstrated that age beliefs can be modified; therefore, age-belief interventions at the individual and societal levels could increase the number of people who experience cognitive recovery,” said Professor Levy in a statement.

The study also found that starting the study with normal cognition and a positive attitude towards aging was associated with a lower likelihood of developing MCI over the next 12 years, regardless of physical health or the age at which participants joined the cohort. This suggests that maintaining a happy outlook towards aging could have long-term benefits for cognitive health in older adults.

The findings of this study are significant as they highlight the importance of cultivating positive age beliefs and attitudes towards aging. As the population ages, addressing cognitive health becomes a crucial public health concern. The study was funded by the National Institute on Aging, indicating the growing recognition of the impact of positive aging attitudes on cognitive health.

So, if you’re looking for the secret to maintaining a sharp mind as you age, it may just be as simple as staying positive and embracing the golden years with a cheerful outlook. After all, happiness and optimism could be the key to reversing memory loss and enjoying a fulfilling and vibrant life in your later years. Here’s to a bright and happy future, where age is just a number and positivity is the key to healthy aging!

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Sources: Good News Network, JAMA Network