Protects education in dementia and related mental deterioration?

How does improved education on the risk of Dementia?

It was believed for a long time, that an increased education can protect people better from the effects of diseases of the brain, such as Alzheimer’s. Numerous studies have indicated in the past that the probability of the emergence of dementia in more educated people is lower. A recent study came to the conclusion that there are only small differences in the risk for the development of dementia diseases, which are due to the formation of the Diseased.

The scientists at the Rush University Medical Center noted in their recent study that it makes no big difference for the risk of developing dementia, what kind of education have Affected. The experts published the results of their study in the English journal “Neurology”.

Education does not protect against mental decline due to dementia

Education seems to have no big influence when it comes to reduce the forms of dementia caused by damage to brain cells or the speed with which the mental deterioration progresses, or to slow down. It was believed for a long time that education might be a factor, the people better from diseases of the brain, protects, said study author Professor Robert S. Wilson from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

How does education on the cognitive level of functioning in old age?

The impact of education on the brain are about to lift, like the effect of weight on the muscles. The more education a Person has, the greater certain areas of the brain and the more Connections between synapses, the expert explained. Those who have a better education, start with a higher cognitive level of functioning in higher age, explains Professor Wilson. This explains why the Rates of dementia in highly educated people seem to be lower than for other people. However, a higher level of education does not slow down the speed of the thinking ability and the memory of the people subside, adds the author of the study.

Investigation had nearly 3,000 subjects

For their latest study, the researchers analyzed data from the so-called Religious Order Study and the Rush Memory and Aging Project. Subjects from two studies per year were examined for cognitive changes. They also agreed to donate their brain for autopsy, if they should die. The 2.889, Participants had increased the average education of 16.5 years, an average age of 77.8 years, with no signs of dementia, in the two studies. At the end of the current study 1.044 subjects were deceased, and of the 696 patients, dementia was diagnosed.

Education improved outcomes in Thinking and memory tests

The researchers, the subjects are divided depending on the level of education in three different groups: 12 or fewer years, 13 to 16 years and 17 or more years. Although the Participating school had a plan already for many years, it became clear that more education at the beginning of the study, led to better results in Thinking and memory tests. After the removal of the spiritual power began, had a rate of the available education, however, no influence on the decrease, say the doctors.

Protective effect of cognitively stimulating activity in old age