Lifestyle and memory in the elderly.

Auteur(s) :
Floel A., Witte AV., Lohmann H.
Date :
Déc, 2007
Source(s) :
NEUROEPIDEMIOLOGY. #31:1 p39-47
Adresse :
Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany. [email protected]

Sommaire de l'article

BACKGROUND: Healthy lifestyle has been associated with a decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, but its relationship with memory functions is still inconclusive. This study aims to analyze the association between a composite lifestyle index and memory performance. METHODS: In this cross-sectional survey, 198 healthy individuals (aged 65-84 years) underwent tests of verbal episodic memory. A composite lifestyle index was calculated that included the following lifestyle dimensions: physical exercise, dietary habits, BMI, smoking and alcohol consumption. The healthiest behavior was defined as: a BMI 13,000 kcal/week; a history of never smoking; an alcohol consumption of 4-10 drinks per week. RESULTS: Linear regression analysis revealed that a high lifestyle index score was associated with a better memory score (after adjusting for age, sex, education and blood pressure). The composite index had a stronger relationship with memory scores than single factors. CONCLUSIONS: This cross-sectional study revealed that a healthy lifestyle, assessed by a simple composite index, is related to better memory performance in healthy elderly individuals. Our findings point to the importance of a comprehensive modulation of lifestyle factors when finding ways to preserve memory functions in the elderly. (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Source : Pubmed
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