Study Constant stress can be the trigger of Alzheimer's

Cognitive impairment in old age is often related to stress
Often, stress is associated with the development of mild cognitive impairment. These in turn increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's later in life. A research team led by Mindy J. Katz of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine has found that stress management can help slow or even completely prevent the neurodegenerative disease. Here are some tips on how to get through life less stressful and healthier as you age.

People who generally feel a lot of stress often develop mild thinking and memory problems. Such weak cognitive impairments can later lead to more massive problems such as dementia, Americans warned. This is confirmed by the current study carried out by the "Montefiore Health System" and the "Albert Einstein College of Medicine". The results of their work were published in the journal "Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders".

Stress has a significant influence on the risk of Alzheimer's. (Image: contrastwerkstatt / fotolia.com)

Study on 507 seniors brings interesting results
Stress is bad for our health. This fact has been known for a long time, but how and what stress has exactly affected is not fully understood. In their latest study, the American researchers have now found that treating stress in older patients can help to completely prevent neurodegenerative disease in the best case.

Fortunately, stress can be easily avoided by using the right stress management strategies. For example, perceived stress levels may be reduced by so-called mindfulness-based stress reduction, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and stress-reducing drugs, according to US researchers. These treatment methods are capable of preventing or at least slowing down the cognitive decline of a person, explained the lead author. Mindy Katz based on the latest results. A total of 507 senior citizens participated in the study.

Alzheimer's risk increases with age
Often, the first symptoms of Alzheimer's occur in people sixty years or older, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said. The risk of developing the disease increases steadily with advancing age. Doctors suspect that a change in the brain or a predisposition caused by our family is to blame for the problem. Of course, other factors would favor an outbreak of the disease, emphasize. Katz and colleagues.

Tips to get healthy through old age
To avoid stress in old age, the American Psychological Association has now published some stress management tips specifically for the elderly. It is important to love oneself. This means that the body is best treated and cared for. Maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, pay attention to your weight, and by such simple behaviors you can significantly reduce your stress levels, the doctors emphasize. Stay always positive, because negative thoughts increase the emotional stress, the scientists warn.

Focus on the enjoyable aspects of life and avoid negative thoughts such as "I'm too old, I can not do that anymore". Try engaging in activities with other people around you, because social interaction not only reduces stress but also enhances self-esteem. A strong social environment can help reduce the risk of depression and make it easier for older adults to adapt to new life stages such as retirement or the loss of old friends. If you start to learn new things, no matter if you take a language course at the Volkshochschule or go to a dance class, learning new skills or new languages ​​will keep your brain fit and stress can be prevented, the scientists warn. American Psychological Association ".

Psychologists can help to cope with stress
If you find you can not handle your stress alone, seek professional help. For example, in later life stress can spoil the sufferer's fun on retirement or grandchildren. However, psychologists can help older people to reduce their stress levels. In addition, it is possible to change even negative thoughts with different therapeutic techniques, the scientists said. One technique is called cognitive behavioral therapy. This treatment makes it possible to uncover deep-rooted negative thoughts. Such a type of therapy also helps patients change thoughts and beliefs that would normally trigger stress, added the physicians from the American Psychological Association. (As)