In the report of a 10-year clinical study on cognitive decline, including memory loss, published yesterday in the British Medical Journal, researchers reported their findings that such decline may begin occurring in the fourth decade of life. This conclusion represents a change from traditional thinking that cognitive decline begins at age 60.
Francine Grodhein, Associate Professor of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, provided editorial comment on the Whitehall II cohort study on cognitive decline, also published yesterday in the British Medical Journal. Grodhein explains that while cognitive decline and dementia are two different issues, early cognitive decline can be an indicator of subsequent dementia in later years.
A Harris survey published February 2011 for the MetLife Foundation revealed American's fears not only about developing Alzheimer's disease themselves, but also the fear of taking care of a family member or loved one with the illness.
Cognitive losses, dementia and Alzheimer's disease are all conditions and issues that can lead to decreased quality of life and decreased independence for those who experience them. The anxiety about developing these conditions is natural, but hope is offered to stave off these conditions by making healthy lifestyle choices now.
Mayoclinic.com reveals that the Mediterranean diet eating style provides a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer's Reading Room also enumerates the value of the Mediterranean style diet in reducing the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
The Whitehall II study authors also address the impact that making lifestyle changes may have on preventing cognitive decline, noting that what is healthy for your heart is also likely healthy for your brain. Grodhein explains in her commentary that preventive steps for cognitive decline and dementia will need to begin earlier in life than previously thought.
What other changes may occur due to the Whitehall II study conclusion remains to be seen. Grodhein believes a new era of research into the prevention and treatment of dementia is about to begin. Forbes.com wrote today that middle-agers need not be put to pasture based on the new findings of earlier cognitive decline.
The coming months and years may bring changes in many areas, people knowing now what clinical study has concluded about mid-life thinking functions. Perhaps now is the time to become proactive in prevention.
Smack dab in the middle of the baby boomer generation, L.L. Woodard is a proud resident of "The Red Man" state. With what he hopes is an everyman's view of life's concerns both in his state and throughout the nation, Woodard presents facts and opinions based on common-sense solutions.
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