Education'may prevent memory loss'


People who have a higher level of education or who are in jobs that are more mentally demanding may be protected against a proportion of memory loss that precedes the development of Alzheimer's, it has been claimed.


In news that may be of interest to those seeking Alzheimer's care, a study published in the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology involved examining 242 people with the condition, 72 individuals with mild cognitive impairment and 144 subjects with no memory problems.


Education 'may prevent memory loss'


Brain scans and tests on memory and cognitive skills were carried out to measure the amount of brain glucose metabolism - the process which illustrates how the organ has been affected by the plaques and tangles built up by the disease.


It was found that those with higher levels of education had "significantly more" changes and damages to their brains but were able to function better despite this.


"There are two possible explanations. The brain could be made stronger through education and occupational challenges. Or, genetic factors that enabled people to achieve higher education and occupational achievement might determine the amount of brain reserve," author Valentina Garibotto explained.


Meanwhile, the Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease has linked fatty acids to the development of Alzheimer's.



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