Do you find yourself forgetting things as you get older? Do you sometimes suddenly forget where you put something, someone's name, or something you were going to do? This is actually a common experience for many people as they age. But did you know that the way we look at aging, that is, the way we think about it, can turn some of these memory problems around for the better? The latest research tells a very surprising story. That's what we're talking about today.
What is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?
First, let's look at what MCI is. Simply put, it is a mild decline in a person's memory, thinking, and decision-making abilities. However, it is not a serious condition like dementia. A person with MCI can perform daily tasks independently.
Think about it this way. In our village, there is Uncle Piyasena. Unlike before, he now forgets one or two things on the shopping list. Even when walking on a familiar road, he sometimes has to think, "Oh... which way should I go?" But he has no problem doing his chores on his own, bathing, eating, and dressing himself. That's what we simply call MCI.
The good news is that not everyone with MCI will develop dementia . In fact, about half of people with MCI will eventually recover. But it's not clear why some people recover while others don't. And a new study has found an answer to that question.
What is the relationship between how we think about age and memory?
A study conducted at Yale University in the United States (Yale School of Public Health) found something very surprising. That is, adults who think positively about aging are about 30% more likely to recover from MCI than those who think negatively about it.
Not only that, people with these positive attitudes have been able to recover their memory about two years earlier than others.
Now you might be wondering, "How can changing the way you think improve your memory?" There's a scientific explanation for that.
Imagine, a person constantly thinks, "Oh, I'm old now, I don't remember anything now, my brain doesn't work anymore." When he thinks like that, he always feels stress. Even when he tries to remember something, he feels fear. The feeling of "I won't be able to." Because of this, this stress hinders the functioning of his brain.
But, look at someone who thinks, "It's normal to get older, I can still do a lot, and I'm wiser with my experience." He has a relaxed mind. He faces challenges with great self-confidence. This positive attitude allows the brain to work more easily, without unnecessary pressure. This is the secret to recovery.
| Characteristic | Negative Beliefs: 'Getting older is not good' | Positive Beliefs: 'Getting older is normal' |
|---|---|---|
| Stress | The stress caused by memory problems is very high. | There is less pressure when facing challenges. The mind is at ease. |
| Self-confidence | Feeling like 'I can't' leads to low self-confidence. | The feeling of 'I can' increases self-confidence. |
| Chances of recovery from MCI | The chances of recovery are significantly low. | The chance of recovery is about 30%. |
| Recovery time | Healing may be delayed. | Recovery can be as quick as two years. |
| Risk of new onset MCI | The risk of developing MCI is high in the coming years. | The risk of developing MCI in the next few years is low. |
How do we learn to think positively about aging?
This is not something that can be done overnight. But it can be done gradually. Sometimes in our society, we often hear things like "old man", "no, no, you're too old now". These can affect our minds without us even realizing it. But we need to consciously try to change these attitudes.
Here are some things you can do about it:
- Look at the positive side of age: Getting older is not a bad thing. Appreciate the wealth of experience, wisdom, and time spent with family and grandchildren that come with age.
- Stay active: Just like your body, keep your brain active. Do a little exercise every day, go for a walk. Also, exercise your brain. Try to learn something new, read a book or newspaper, solve puzzles, play games like word search.
- Maintain social connections: Don't stay isolated. Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors regularly. Go to church or temple. Being social is very good for your mental health.
- Challenge the negative: If someone says something negative about your age to you, don't take it personally. Think about people who are living successful, active lives despite their age. There are many such people in the world, as well as in our country.
- Be a role model yourself: Live a positive, happy, and active life and be an example to the younger generation that "getting old is such a beautiful thing."
Do you want to talk to the doctor about this?
Absolutely yes. This article is not saying that a positive attitude is the only cure for MCI. It is just something that greatly supports the recovery process.
If you notice a significant change in your memory, meaning that you are forgetting things to the point that it interferes with your daily activities, do not delay and see your family doctor to discuss this.
Sometimes memory loss can be caused by other factors, such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, or side effects of certain medications. Your doctor can examine you to determine the underlying cause and prescribe the necessary treatment. So don't be afraid to talk openly with your doctor about your concerns.
Take-Home Message
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition that occurs with age, but it is completely reversible.
- Thinking positively about aging significantly increases the likelihood and speed of recovery from MCI.
- This positive attitude reduces your stress, increases your self-confidence, and helps your brain work freely.
- You can develop these positive attitudes by being social, active, and looking at the bright side of age.
- If you have a serious problem with your memory, don't just guess about it, but definitely see your doctor for advice.
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