Several studies have indicated that there is a connection between health problems and our ability to process thoughts.
These health factors have been shown to increase the risk of brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. The studies suggest that the likelihood of memory complaints have spread across all adult age groups, including young adults between the ages of 18-39.
One of the studies carried out by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has claimed that these risk factors may be indicative of early memory complaints.
Researchers tested almost 19,000 individuals aged between 18 and 99 about their memory and a variety of lifestyle and health issues. Through the various methods of testing and communication with the subjects they captured numerous risks that are commonly found in people such as diabetes, depression, obesity, dementia, high blood pressure and many more.
Thinking Skills Are Best in Those Who Had Better Cardiovascular Fitness in Their Youth
The study found that many of these risk factors increased the chances of self-perceived memory complaints, but strangely this was found to be the case across all age groups across the young and old adult spectrum.
Of the almost 19,000 people tested, 20% were found to have memory complaints, this figure included 14% of young adults (ages 18-39), 22% of middle-aged adults (ages 40-59) and 26% of older adults (ages 60-99).
The study also suggested that thinking skills are best in those who had better cardiovascular fitness in their youth.
Dr Gary Small, a professor at the UCLA, was the study’s senior author and was shocked by how prevalent memory issues were among young adults. His team’s new research suggests that the pursuit of sporting and educational activities can have a beneficial effect at any age.
The next step according to Professor Fernando Torres-Gil of is to reduce the risks of these memory complaints happening in the future.
“We’re planning to use these results as a basis for future studies to better understand how reducing these risk factors may possibly lower the frequency of memory complaints.” He said.
The researchers hoped that their findings would raise awareness about the importance of reducing these risk factors for people of all ages. Dr Stephen Chen, first author of the study, suggests screening and treatment for high blood pressure and depression, increased physical exercise and pursuing further education as potential ways in which the risk factors could be lowered.
How important do you think the results of this study are and do you feel that regular exercise and eating right is vital to keep one both physically and mentally fit?
Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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