How Power of Positive Thinking Can Prevent Memory Loss

A study by University College in London (which was spread over several years) has found that if you can stay positive, you can cut the risk of memory loss in middle age.

Researchers, who tracked more than ten thousand people over the age of fifty, found that those with higher levels of wellbeing were more likely to have higher scores on memory tests.

In addition, they reported a greater sense of control and independence as well as the freedom to make choices and decisions.

How the research was conducted

The participants were assessed on wellbeing and memory every two years - a total of nine times during the sixteen year study period.

The researchers checked people's ability to learn and recall ten words immediately - and after a delay.

Wellbeing was also assessed using a quality-of-life questionnaire, looking at areas such as pleasure, control and autonomy.

What the researchers had to say

One of the study's authors - Professor Joshua Stott (aging and clinical psychologist) - said:

"This study represents an important step toward understanding the interplay between wellbeing and memory over time.  It offers new insights into how self-rated wellbeing is associated with memory and vice versa."

"While our findings are preliminary, they highlight the importance of considering psychosocial influences on brain health such as memory."

The study's co-author - Dr. Emily Willroth - added:

"It would be fantastic if this research can inform strategies supporting cognitive health in aging populations - that is the aim."

The researchers suggested reasons why wellbeing may have a positive impact on memory, such as people may be more likely to exercise, which improves health.

In an earlier post, we shared our top ten tips for improving our memory.

1,  Going to sleep an hour earlier - sleep is essential for memory and our overall brain health.

2.  When taking a drive, ditch the navigation, trying to make the effort to remember your route without digital assistance when possible. 

3.  Enjoying a walk in nature with spending as little as ten minutes sitting or walking in natural settings significantly improved psychological and physiological markers of mental well-being. 

4.  Using pen and paper to make a list.  Our brain connectivity patterns when writing by hand are far more elaborate than when typing - crucial for memory formation.  

5.  Calling a friend as maintaining strong social connections can significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline. 

6.  Enjoying your life and helping to make new brain cells - neurons - supports verbal learning and memory in adults.

7.  Learning a new challenge by encouraging the brain to adapt and form new connections, building what is known as cognitive reserve and making the brain more resilient to damage in later life. 

8.  Hydrating with that extra glass of water.  If you become dehydrated, this can negatively affect your short term memory and the ability to pay attention.

9.  Forgetting about talking and texting.  Phone distraction can interfere with encoding new memories if you are not fully focused on something, making it harder to store it in your memory.  

And a final tip...

10.  Sniffing some fresh Rosemary

Pick a small bunch of rosemary and pop it into a small vase of water so you can sniff it every day.  Better still, if you have a rosemary bush growing in your garden, then you can really sniff the freshest version.

Suffering from stress and anxiety?  One of the simplest methods to accomplish this boost to your brain is to snip a little rosemary off each day and spend time sniffing it! 

 SOURCES:

 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1474034624003264

https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity/features/boost-brain-health.html

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1440244024005553