New risk factor for dementia identified?
This persistent Engage in negative thought patterns can increase the risk for Alzheimer’s, the disease most common Form of dementia, significant. So-called repetitive negative Thinking is associated with a cognitive decline and deposition of harmful brain proteins.
In a study headed by researchers from the University College London (UCL) found that repetitive negative Thinking increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease significantly. The results of the study were published in the English journal “Alzheimer’s & Dementia“ published.
360 participants from two studies were examined
For the study, 360 people aged over 55 years were studied, which were part of two cohort studies. Over a period of two years, these Participants responded to repeated questions about how you think about negative experiences, where the question focused particularly on repetitive negative Thinking, such as the Brooding about the past and worry about the future. In addition, depression and anxiety symptoms were measured.
Cognitive function was evaluated
Finally, the cognitive function of Participants was evaluated, where memory, attention, spatial cognition and language were measured. 113 of the participants were subjected to in addition, PET brain scans, which are deposits of Tau and Amyloid were measured. These two proteins cause the most common type of dementia (Alzheimer’s), if they accumulate in the brain.
Thought patterns as a risk factor for dementia
Depression and anxiety in mid-life and senior age are already considered risk factors for dementia known. In the current study, it has now been found that certain thinking patterns associated with Depression and anxiety, could be a reason that people with these disorders are diagnosed with greater probability of dementia.
Possible counter-measures
The results of the study suggest that repetitive negative Thinking should be explored as a potential risk factor for dementia, more. Moreover, psychological tools such as mindfulness or Meditation should be analysed in more detail to determine whether these can reduce the risk of dementia, reports the researchers.
Short-term negative patterns of thinking have not led to dementia
Taking into account previous studies, which have already been linked to Depression and anxiety, and with the risk of Dementia is to assume that chronic negative thinking can increase pattern over a long period of time, the risk of dementia, conclude the researchers. It was not, however, be assumed that short-term negative thought patterns increase the risk of dementia.
What do Think four years is negative?
The research group found that people who had a higher level of repetitive negative Thinking, experienced over a period of four years, a stronger cognitive decline and a decrease of memory. It was also more likely to have Amyloid and Tau deposits in the brain occurred.
As increased negative Thinking, the risk of Alzheimer’s?
Repetitive negative Thinking may be a new risk factor for dementia, since it seems to be unique to dementia to contribute. The researchers suggest that the repetitive negative Thinking could contribute, through its influence on the stress indicators, such as high blood pressure to Alzheimer’s risk, since other studies have found that physio can help of logical Stress on Amyloid and Tau deposition.
Further research is needed
Now it is necessary to find out whether a reduction of the repetitive negative Thinking could reduce through mindfulness training, Meditation, and well-targeted talk therapy, the risk of dementia. May the dementia could reduce risk by mental health in old age, will be strengthened, reports the researchers. Mental health could be crucial in the prevention and treatment of dementia. (as)
Authors and source of information
This Text meets the requirements of the medical literature, medical guidelines, as well as current studies and was examined by doctors and Medical scientists.