According to Carla K. Johnson “A surprising study of elderly people suggests that those who see themselves as self-disciplined, organized achievers have a lower risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease than people who are less conscientious.”
“A purposeful personality may somehow protect the brain, perhaps by increasing neural connections that can act as a reserve against mental decline, said study co-author Robert Wilson of Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center.”
“This adds to our knowledge that lifestyle, personality, how we think, feel and behave are very importantly tied up with risk for this terrible illness,” Wilson said. “It may suggest new ideas for trying to delay the onset of this illness.”
As we Baby Boomers turn 62 this year, we are told today that Alzheimer’s is predicted to affect 1 in 8 of us in coming years.
Memory isn’t the only thing that fades with Alzheimers. Some memory loss is normal with aging. But the ability to plan,organize and to think creatively also fade. Have concerns? Try testing your abilities in those areas.
Games like mahjong, chess, freecell and spider solitaire will help us exercise the planning and organizing abilities. I’ll be on the lookout for games that stimulate creativity. Please let me know if you have any you can recommend.
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory?id=3675994