Get Back

On Course.

Download

GPS for

the Soul



[1]

Swedish researchers have found that a lot of stress in middle age heightens the risk of dementia in late life. The response to common life events may trigger long-lasting physiological changes in the brain, say the authors.


They base their findings on 800 Swedish women whose mental health and well-being was formally tracked over a period of almost 40 years as part of the larger Prospective Population Study of Women in Gothenburg, Sweden, which started in 1968, according to a press release. The women underwent a battery of neuropsychiatric tests and examinations in 1968, when they were in their late 30s, mid 40s, and 50s, and then again in years later.


At their initial assessment, the women were quizzed about the psychological impact on them of 18 common stressors, such as divorce, widowhood, serious illness or death of a child, mental illness or alcoholism in a close family member, personal or partner's unemployment, and poor social support.


Between 1968 and 2006, around one in five (19 percent or 153 of them) developed dementia, 104 of whom developed Alzheimer's disease. On average, it took 29 years for dementia to develop, with 78 the average age at which the condition was diagnosed, found the study.


The number of stressors reported by the women in 1968 was associated with a 21 percent heightened risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and a 15 percent heightened risk of developing any type of dementia, the analysis showed. The findings, published in the British Medical Journal[2] , held true even after taking into account other factors that might influence the results, such as a family history of mental health problems.


The authors said that further research was needed to confirm the results of their study. But they suggest that "stress may cause a number of physiological reactions in the central nervous, endocrine, immune and cardiovascular systems, " and point to other studies showing that stress can cause structural and functional damage to the brain and promote inflammation.


Research has also shown that stress hormones can remain at high levels many years after experiencing a traumatic event.


There's no known way to prevent Alzheimer's disease, which affects more than 5 million Americans and is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. But a study released earlier this summer [3] identified a biomarker associated with the risk of developing it. The study found that this potential biomarker may be present in the cerebral spinal fluid at least a decade before signs of the disease appear.



Earlier on HuffPost50:




Loading Slideshow...



  • Develop A Strong Social Support System


    An extensive body of research has linked community and strong social support to <a href="http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,2006938,00.html" target="_blank">good health</a>, <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/social-support/SR00033" target="_blank">less stress</a> and increased <a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2010/sep/13/health/la-he-friends-health-20100913" target="_blank">longevity</a>. Prioritizing time with friends, family, community groups and even pets can go far in increasing well-being during your golden years.




  • Spend More Time Outdoors


    Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve quality of life. A <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/04/22/access-green-spaces-less-stress-better-quality-of-life_n_3130084.html?utm_hp_ref=less-stress-more-living" target="_blank">recent UK study</a> found that urban-dwellers reported less mental distress and higher life satisfaction when they were living in greener areas. Try to fit in a daily walk or outdoor recreational activity, and if possible, plan trips to relaxing places of natural beauty.




  • Practice Mindfulness


    Mindfulness -- the practice of cultivating a focused awareness on the present moment -- can not only improve the quality of your life, but it can also <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/08/mindfulness-meditation-benefits-health_n_3016045.html" target="_blank">improve your health</a>. Practicing mindfulness meditation can improve your sleep quality, boost focus, support weight loss goals and reduce stress, among other health advantages. But the best part? It will help you to make the most of your life by making you take note of all that's around you.




  • Take Care Of The Mind


    Exercising the brain is just as important as exercising the body in aging well and maintaining good health through your golden years. Keep the mind agile and sharp through crossword puzzles, sudoku, and <a href="http://www.lumosity.com/" target="_blank">brain-training games</a>. "It’s huge for the brain," said Hall. "Instead of it getting stale and old and not getting the oxygen, water and blood that it needs, these exercises work the brain just like you’d be working out in the gym. "




  • Find Your Go-To Stress Reliever


    Whether it's yoga, meditation or jogging, find a stress-relief tactic that works for you, and make it a part of your daily routine. Whatever it is, creating a simple daily stress-reduction routine wil keep your mind calm and help ward off the negative health impacts of chronic stress.




  • Accept Changes


    The Buddha once said that the only constant in life is change, and this is never more true than in your post 50 years, when many life-changing events are taking place. At this stage in your life, everything is shifting -- and it can be difficult to keep up with all the transformation and movement. Work on accepting the changes in your daily life by consciously attempting to let go and accept the present moment. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/05/dont-stress-health-and-wellness-experts_n_3001094.html" target="_blank">Click here for inspiration from wellness experts</a> on the little and big things they've stopped stressing over.




  • Get Your Finances In Order


    Financial health is a crucial component of a relaxing, stress-free older adulthood and retirement. Plan for the future as early as possible, and develop financial habits with your retirement in mind to minimize money stress later in life when you should be enjoying yourself. <a href="http://www.aarp.org/money/" target="_blank">Click here</a> for helpful money management information for retirees.




  • Be Grateful


    The <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/22/gratitude-healthy-benefits_n_2147182.html#slide=1770603" target="_blank">health benefits of gratitude</a> are many, included increased well-being, improved sleep, stronger relationships and better heart health. Instead of dwelling on health problems, financial woes or family issues, try to focus on what you're grateful for in life. Keep a gratitude journal where you write down a list of things you're thankful for every day, and try to flip around negative situations so that you see their silver lining (for example, if you're missing a loved one, focus on what they've added to your life).