Talking of the Old Times Eases Effects Of Dementia

Encouraging elderly to talk about old times can actually improve their memory and limit effects of dementia, finds a new study.

A new study has suggested that encouraging elderly to talk about old times may help improve their memory and ease the effects of dementia.

The research team led by Professor Catherine Haslam, at the University of Exeter, showed that 'reminiscence therapy' can significantly increase cognitive recall and agility of the mind by up to 12 per cent within six weeks.

Diseases Related to Old Age
Ageing is referred to the accumulation of changes that brings a person closer to death.

During the study, the researchers recruited 73 people - aged between 70 and 90 and some with dementia - and split them into three groups.

The first group was made to sit around once a week in sets of five and reminisce about the old days such as childhood, weddings and family holidays, as well objects that could spark memories such as old-fashioned ink pots and hats.

After six weeks, the standard cognitive tests showed that the memory had improved by 12 per cent. Those suffering dementia saw an improvement of about eight per cent.

13-year-old Girl Suffers from Dementia
Isobel Jeffery, a 13-year-old girl, is suffering from Alzheimer's-like dementia in what is a rare type of disorder seen in kids.

In contrast, the two other groups - one that was encouraged to play skittles - and another that was encouraged to have one on one chats showed very little improvement in their brain power.

"The people we were talking to were more than happy to bring up the war. It emerged as a very important part of their lives. As well as it improving their memory some people found it incredibly enjoyable," the Telegraph quoted Prof Haslam, a neuropsychologist as saying.

Particular HIV Subtype Could Cause Dementia, Says Study
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have found that infections with a particular subtype of HIV increase people's likelihood of developing dementia, compared to infections with other subtypes.

"It doesn't actually reverse dementia but it seems to make the most of their residual abilities," she added.

Professor Alex Haslam, her husband, who was also carrying out research into social groups at the university, said the result were very significant.

Dementia can be Prevented by Moderate Drinking
A new study by the Center for Mental Health Research at the Australian National University says that moderate drinking in later life can help prevent dementia.

"If you had a drug that could do that you would that you would make a lot of money. The drug in this case is the social group," he said.

Source-ANI
TAN