The journal Aging (Aging-US) released a new editorial paper titled "Cognitive aging and dementia prevention: the time for psychology?" in Volume 15, Issue 4.
Highlights:
Modifiable risk and protective variables (for example, engaging in active lifestyles and avoiding alcohol or smoking, among others) are viewed as critical agents for dementia prevention, and they also have a significant impact on the cognitive trajectories of non-demented older persons. In this new editorial, University of Barcelona scholars David Bartrés-Faz, Cristina Solé-Padullés, and Natalie L. Marchant address current research that has begun to discover psychological processes that confer relative risk and protection. - Although age is the most powerful risk factor for cognitive decline, dementia is not a natural or unavoidable result of aging
- Behavioral dementia prevention strategies, as well as new therapeutic interventions (such as virtual reality and non-invasive brain stimulation), can help maintain high levels of cognition and functional integrity
- Self-reflection may aid in the maintenance of cognition and the enhancement of cognitive resilience
Repetitive Negative Thinking Linked with Alzheimer's Disease
“For example, repetitive negative thinking (RNT), a cognitive process defined by self-relevant, persistent thoughts that elaborate on negative themes, has been associated with a greater burden of typical Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathological brain markers and accelerated cognitive decline over time.”Self-Reflection Improves Cognition
Self-reflection, on the other hand, as well as life purpose and other components of psychological well-being, may aid to sustain cognition and improve cognitive resistance against neuropathological burden. The possibility of incorporating psychological elements as key players in affecting one of the century's most important public health issues opens up a window of tremendous therapeutic opportunity, particularly because fundamental psychological processes are at the heart of cognitive-behavioural interventions that may help reduce dementia risk. But, for this emerging field to thrive and provide maximum benefit, important unsolved questions must be addressed. The researchers note three major areas for further research in their commentary. “In summary, we propose that with momentum gathering, now is the time for psychology to make important contributions to cognitive aging and dementia prevention research.”
Does Mediterranean Diet Prevent Dementia
Healthy diet can prevent dementia, but following a conventional diet or Mediterranean diet may not reduce the risk of dementia.
Healthy diet can prevent dementia, but following a conventional diet or Mediterranean diet may not reduce the risk of dementia.
‘Repetitive negative thinking a cognitive process characterised by self-relevant, persistent thoughts that elaborate on negative themes, has been linked to a higher burden of typical Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathological brain indicators as well as accelerated cognitive decline over time.’
Source-Medindia 
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