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Research published in the journal Neurology revealed that people who regularly assess their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors have better brain health.

Source: Infobae

Older people who regularly assess their thoughts, feelings and behaviors may be less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, a new study warns. According to the researchers, just ten minutes of self-reflection a day could significantly improve cognition and brain health.

Although there is currently no cure for dementia, experts say the findings could pave the way to one day reducing the risk of developing the disease through psychological treatment.

A team led by researchers at University College London analyzed data from two clinical trials involving 259 people in their 70s. Participants answered questions about reflection, measuring how often they think about and try to understand their thoughts and feelings.

Results of research published in the journal Neurology revealed that people who engaged in more self-reflection had better memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills, as well as better brain health. Lead author Harriet Demnitz-King stated: “There is growing evidence that positive psychological factors, such as purpose in life and conscientiousness, can reduce the risk of dementia.”

For the specialist, “anyone can engage in self-reflection and potentially increase their degree of self-reflection, since it does not depend on physical health or socioeconomic factors.”

But what does it consist of? “Self-reflection -detailed Demnitz-King- consists of taking a step back and trying not to be so hard on oneself, actively evaluating our thoughts, feelings and behaviors. So when we feel bad or have a problem, we try to think about how we can solve it, without getting stuck in those negative thinking styles and thinking of solutions”.

The researchers say it’s not clear why self-reflection might have protective effects. However, it could be related to feelings of calm and reduced stress levels in the body, or it could improve mental health.

According to experts, setting aside time each day to reflect on work, relationships and social encounters – with kindness and without judgment – could reduce the risk of dementia.

“If self-reflection appears to have a positive effect on brain function, there is a chance that one day we may be able to reduce the risk of dementia with psychological treatments that help people create healthy thought patterns,” said Dr. Richard Oakley, director Alzheimer’s Society Research Associate.

As life expectancy increases around the world, so does the number of people living with dementia. Globally, more than 55 million people (8.1% of women and 5.4% of men over 65 years of age) live with this mental illness, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). ). Furthermore, it is estimated that this number will increase to 78 million by 2030 and 139 million by 2050.

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disorder that causes brain atrophy and progressive death of neurons. It is the most common cause of dementia, causing ongoing deterioration in thinking, behavior, and social skills that affects a person’s ability to live independently.

Recently, an investigation by Harvard experts pointed out that Alzheimer’s could be detected many years before the appearance of cognitive damage. The new study led by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital, associated with Harvard Medical School, showed that early accumulation of tau and amyloid-β proteins can disrupt brain connectivity many years before signs are seen. impairment, such as memory loss or recurrent forgetfulness.

The findings may lead to strategies that could help detect Alzheimer’s disease early. Researchers have known for years that amyloid-β and tau pathologies, the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease, can cause the death of neurons, the most abundant cells in the brain, leading to cognitive decline and dementia.