A new review of previously published research has found that mental exercises — including computer-based programs for training and one-on-one cognitive instruction in memory and reasoning — can help you to ward off dementia when you get older. This will come as very good news to the increasing number of people who are suffering with dementia and similar diseases.
The findings, which have been based on a review of 32 separately published studies on the topic involving some 25,000 people, also revealed that there is very little evidence that drugs, herbal products, or vitamin supplements can do anything to help prevent or put off age-related cognitive decline.
The review provides a lot of evidence for how to help doctors and their patients address what strategies might prevent cognitive decline in the future. The researchers were encouraged to consider easily accessible tools such as crossword puzzles and Sudoku that have not been seriously studied as of yet.
Mild cognitive impairment, which can include an erosion of memory, judgment, and decision-making skills, is known to affect around 10-25 per cent of people who are aged over age 70, the researchers noted. The annual rate of decline into issues with dementia or dementia-like symptoms, such as Alzheimer’s disease, is about 10 per cent.
The new analysis has managed to find no strong evidence that any cognitive impairment is affected by drug or chemicals such as cholinesterase inhibitors that were developed to improve the effectiveness of acetylcholine, which is a ‘chemical messenger’ that can assist memory, thought, and judgment.
In addition, the previous studies revealed to only offer very slight evidence that herbal supplements such as gingko, vitamins, or fatty acids such as vitamin B6 or omega-3 fatty acids can improve your cognitive functions.