Good friends circle in old age may boost brain functioning

New York Nov 2 (IANS) Maintaining strong social networks with positive warm and trusting friendships in old age might be key to slowing down age-related decline in memory and brain functioning researchers say.

The findings showed that superagers -- who are 80 years and older -- who have cognitive ability at least as good as people in their 50s or 60s can have more satisfying high-quality relationships compared to their cognitively average same-age peers.

"This study supports the theory that maintaining strong social networks seems to be linked to slower cognitive decline " said Emily Rogalski Associate Professor at the Northwestern University in the US.

"The study is particularly exciting as a step toward understanding what factors underlie the preservation of cognitive ability in advanced age particularly those that may be modifiable " added Amanda Cook doctoral student at the varsity.

Previous studies has shown psychological well-being in older age to be associated with reduced risk of developing Alzheimer s dementia.

"It s not as simple as saying if you have a strong social network you ll never get Alzheimer s disease " Rogalski said.

"But if there is a list of healthy choices one can make such as eating a certain diet and not smoking maintaining strong social networks may be an important one on that list " Rogalski noted.

For the study published in the journal PLOS ONE the participants answered a 42-item questionnaire called the Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scale which is a widely used to measure of psychological well-being.

The scale examines six aspects of psychological well-being: autonomy positive relations with others environmental mastery personal growth purpose in life and self-acceptance.

Superagers scored a median overall score of 40 in positive relations with others while the control group scored 36 -- a significant difference Rogalski said.

--IANS
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