A really fascinating article today in the NYT’s about the “super-memory” study of the 1 in 200 people who make it to 90 with their cognition largely in tact. And the 1 in 600 who make it to 95 without a diagnosis of dementia.
The study of these folks by USC and UC Irivine is trying to tease out the answer to the condundrum “Are they active because they are sharp or are they sharp because they are active?”
The study is finding that exercise and diet aren’t as big of an indicator as some studies are suggesting – but that mental challenge/exericise and social engagement are.
“So far, scientists here have found little evidence that diet or exercise affects the risk of dementia in people over 90. But some researchers argue that mental engagement — doing crossword puzzles, reading books — may delay the arrival of symptoms. And social connections, including interaction with friends, may be very important, some suspect. In isolation, a healthy human mind can go blank and quickly become disoriented, psychologists have found.”
But the most fascinating thing about the article is the way the group of card-playing “super-memory” 90+ year olds talk about what happens when they detect one of them is slipping. They are kicked out of the group. And, as they observe, their isolated friends quickly decline.
My question is WHY? Isn’t there something else they could do that could maintain their friendships? Like maybe…ART? DANCE? MUSIC? POETRY? WRITING? Cards are fantastic. But you can also challenge yourself mentally in a non-competitive way that allows for friends to maintain social connections rather than set them off on the ice-flow.
It is heartbreaking to read that when a member of the group begins to slip s/he is kicked out. Of course those ejected decline rapidly. The group should have a second tier for those who are slowing to do, as you suggest, some sort of art/dance/music/poetry. Board games are made for every level of intellectual ability.