Staying positive can reduce the risk of middle -aged memory loss, a large study suggests.
Researchers followed more than 10,000 people older than 50 and discovered that those with a higher levels of well -being more often had better scores on memory tests.
They also reported a greater sense of control, independence and freedom to make choices than other people.
Although the link was small, researchers suggested that it was important.
Co-author Joshua Stott, professor aging and clinical psychology at University College London, said: ‘This study is an important step in the direction of understanding the interplay between well-being and memory over time.
‘It offers new insights into how self -assessed well -being is associated with memory and vice versa.
“Although our findings are for the time being, they emphasize the importance of considering psychosocial influences on the health of the brain such as memory.”
The study, published in the magazine Aging & Mental Health, followed 10,760 men and women from older than 50.
The study found a small but significant relationship between higher well -being and better memory
They were assessed every two years on welfare and memory-in a total of nine times during the 16-year study period, starting in 2002.
Researchers checked the ability of people to learn and recall ten words immediately and after a delay.
Welfare was also assessed with the help of a quality of life questionnaire, looking at areas such as pleasure, control and autonomy.
Questions that people were asked include the sentences: “I can do the things I want to do,” and “I feel that life is full of opportunities.”
The study found a small but significant association between higher well -being and better memory, which still existed, even after a depression had been taken into account.
The researchers suggested reasons why well -being can have a positive influence on memory, as people are more likely to practice, which improves health.
Age, gender, other lifestyle factors and socio -economic status can also have a negative or positive effect on well -being and memory, they added.
The authors found no evidence that it was a bad memory that caused a layer of well -being in some people, but they emphasized that this could not be excluded.
Researchers followed more than 10,000 people older than 50 and discovered that those with higher levels of well -being more often had better scores on memory tests
The research was funded by Alzheimer’s Research UK and others, including the Medical Research Council.
Emma Taylor, manager of information services at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: ‘Loving your heart, staying sharp and staying connected are the key to protecting our brain health as we get older.
‘There are 14 established risk factors for health and lifestyle for dementia, including a lack of physical exercise, social isolation and depression, which are linked to well -being.
‘This study found that people older than 50 who reported that they felt happier and more fulfilled in life in life in the course of time had a better memory.
‘However, this research is observational and more work is needed to understand how a positive well-being and memory are connected and whether this has a domino effect on the risk of dementia.
‘It takes care of our mental well -being plays an important role in our overall health.
“And it is never too late to take steps to keep our brains healthy during our lives and to reduce the devastating impact of dementia.”
Study co-author Dr. Emily Willroth, university lecturer in psychological and brain sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, said: “In the future, it would be fantastic if this research could build on the basis of constant memory research to possibly inform strategies about strategies that support cognitive populations.”
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