© Geriatric Times. All rights reserved.
Key Factors Can Help Prevent Cognitive Aging
Geriatric Times September/October 2001 Vol. II Issue 5
The Institute for the Study of Aging and the International Longevity Center-USA (ILC-USA) released a report reiterating that seniors should not just accept cognitive loss. Rather, they should do something about it, and physicians should actively encourage them.
The report, "Achieving and Maintaining Cognitive Vitality with Aging," was the result of a workshop that brought expert clinicians and research scientists together to address maintaining cognitive vitality with aging. The workshop reviewed current knowledge, made recommendations for lifestyle changes and created an agenda for the development of new therapies to prevent mental decline.
Different degrees of cognitive impairment, including age-associated cognitive change and the more serious mild cognitive impairment, were discussed, along with the idea that dementia is not an inevitable companion of old age. The following seven recommendations for maintaining cognitive vitality were included in the report. Lifelong learning allows for intellectual stimulation, thus leading to brain growth. Exercise improves blood supply to the brain. Daily activities provide seniors with necessary social interaction to help stay mentally and physically healthy. Stress reduction techniques help to reduce stress-induced brain structure alteration and losses in normal function. Seeking help for sleep disorders can eliminate the negative effects on cognitive function that are caused by decreases in rapid eye movement or dream sleep. Emotional stability helps decrease the chances of suicide in elderly patients. Proper nutrition also helps older adults stay healthy and functional.
Individuals who report cognitive changes should be evaluated, and physicians should assess causes of change for potentially reversible impairment. In a statement to the press, Robert N. Butler, M.D., president of the ILC-USA, said, "Physicians should take a proactive view in health promotion, and that should include the head and not just the body." The complete report was provided by can be found at www.ilcusa.org--RR
© CME LLC
8/6/01
