Protecting Memory as You Age

A positive outlook on life might protect against memory loss as we age, according to a recent 16-year study by researchers in the UK, US and Spain. Their results suggests that wellbeing – a combination of happiness, confidence and a sense of control over life – is significantly associated with better retention of memory. The scientists tracked 10,760 men and women over the age of 50. All of the participants met with researchers every two years to be tested in two ways. In addition to taking a memory test, they were also asked to complete wellbeing questionnaires that rated their feelings about themselves in things such as: ‘I am able to do what I want to do’ and ‘I am happy with my life’. After 16 years, all of this data was analysed by a group of 15 experts to understand the link between mindset and memory. They found that the participants who rated their wellbeing more highly performed much better on the memory tests. They concluded that lower wellbeing could be an early sign of cognitive impairment, and recommended interventions such as mindfulness training to stop it in its tracks.