As we age, our brains can accumulate neurofibrillary tangles and beta-amyloid clots (plaques) – protein clumps that usually lead to Alzheimer’s and dementia.
But some elderly people, even with such harmful tangles and clots in the brain, can maintain a certain cognitive resilience.
Scientists from Northwestern University (USA) in their new study published in the journal Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences found the reason for such “superpowers”. It lies in the personality of these older people.
Researchers studied clinical data and annual reports on the psychological state of 1,375 participants in the experiment and found that old people who were prone to self-discipline and organization, who were able to motivate themselves for high achievements and hard work, had greater cognitive resilience than those with other personality traits: moodiness, impulsivity, increased anxiety and anxiety.
Our research shows that personality traits are related to how well people can maintain their cognitive functions despite developing pathologies in the brain. It is possible that by analyzing personality traits, we may be able to identify those at risk of Alzheimer’s to help them detect the problem earlier and maintain cognitive function in old age. Says Eileen Graham, lead author of the study.
Earlier, “Reedus” wrote that a ketogenic version of the Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.
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