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How to avoid cognitive decline
Scientists found in a recent study that three different forms of intervention can help to prevent so-called cognitive decline in those affected. For example, the negative cognitive effects of dementia can be reduced.
The researchers from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) found in their study that special interventions can prevent a cognitive decline. The doctors published a press release on the results of their study.
In dementia sufferers suffer a loss of their cognitive abilities. Physicians have now explored ways in which people can avoid or slow down such a decline in their cognitive performance. (Image: Robert Kneschke / fotolia.com) These three measures can slow down the cognitive decline?
Cognitive training, an increase in physical activity and control of blood pressure are fertile measures to reduce cognitive decline, the authors explain. While the evidence for the positive effects of these three interventions is encouraging, it is not enough to justify a public campaign. Additional clinical studies are now required, the experts explain.
People can influence their cognitive decline through lifestyle changes
The public should have easy access to these intervention options, and their positive effects should be informed, the researchers demand. This allows people to make decisions about their lifestyle in order to maintain the health of the brain, even in old age, the researchers explain. Already in 2015, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) conducted a systematic review. Various randomized controlled trials were analyzed. The results showed that three measures are particularly effective in reducing cognitive decline.
What are the different measures and what exactly are they doing??
Cognitive training includes, for example, training programs for logic, problem-solving skills, reasoning and memory. Such training modules help to slow down age-related cognitive decline and the rate of dementia development, the researchers explain. Another important point is the control of blood pressure in people with high blood pressure or high blood pressure, the authors explain. This could help to slow down the progress of dementia. The third intervention is increased physical activity, which can lead to various health benefits. These include, for example, the delay of age-related cognitive decline.
These interventions also protect against heart attacks and strokes
Cognitive training seems to only lead to a short-term slowdown in cognitive decline, physicians found in previous studies. But there was also an investigation, which came to the conclusion that the benefits are quite long term. The control of blood pressure in turn protects against cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes, the researchers say. Physical activity can lead to several benefits, such as the prevention of strokes and the protection of the health of the human brain.
Further research is needed
Further investigations should now check the actual effectiveness of the measures. People with the greatest risk of possible cognitive decline should be participants in these studies, the authors explain. In addition, groups of populations previously underrepresented in the studies should also be included in the investigations. In addition, long-term interventions should be designed and reviewed, starting at a young age, the researchers say. This would allow scientists to deepen their knowledge about preventing or slowing a cognitive decline. (As)