A growing body of research indicates that leading a healthy lifestyle is associated with improved cognitive abilities in later life. However, few studies have specifically examined the impact of a healthy lifestyle on memory, and none have taken into account the effects on memory in individuals who are genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s. A Chinese study now provides information. More than 29,000 individuals without dementia (average age 72) participated in the study, which was published online by BMJ on January 25, 2023.
Initially, participants underwent cognitive testing and genetic testing for genes known to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. They also reported how well they adhered to six healthy lifestyle practices (eating a healthy diet, exercising, abstaining from alcohol and tobacco, participating in brain-challenging activities, and being socially active). Over the course of ten years, participants had cognitive testing and were occasionally asked about their lifestyle choices.
Those who maintained at least four healthy habits at the end of the trial demonstrated noticeably slower memory deterioration than those who did not. Even those with genes linked to Alzheimer’s disease experienced this. Exercise, social interaction, food, and cognitive activity were the habits linked to the largest effects. Because the study was observational, it cannot definitively demonstrate that a healthy lifestyle preserved memory. However, there are numerous health advantages to leading a healthy lifestyle, and you will only succeed if you improve yours.