Now there’s scientific evidence that points to the fact that positive thinking is vital for the health of gaining adults.
A newly published study led by Yale School of Public Health shows that individuals who have negative beliefs about aging are more likely to have brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
The study was conducted by associate professor of public health and psychology, Becca levy. This is the first ever research project that links brain changes common in AD with cultural based psychosocial risk factors.
“We believe it is the stress generated by the negative beliefs about aging that individuals sometimes internalize from society that can result in pathological brain changes,” said Levy. “Although the findings are concerning, it is encouraging to realize that these negative beliefs about aging can be mitigated and positive beliefs about aging can be reinforced, so that the adverse impact is not inevitable.”
The study showed that those who had more negative beliefs about aging showed more of a decline in the volume of the hippocampus (the part of the brain that is responsible for memory). Reduction in the hippocampus is one of many indicators of AD.
Brain autopsies were used in long term aging studies to examine other indicators of AD such as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (protein clusters and twisted strands of protein in the brain).
The group participants who exhibited more negative beliefs about aging during the study, showed quite a bit more amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles.
Other known risk factors for AD (such as diabetes and other health issues and age) were adjusted by Levy in each stage of the study.
Learn more about symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by CLICKING HERE to sign up for the free online course aimed at educating individuals in the early stages of AD and their caregivers.
