0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
The benefits of getting a good education may go beyond landing a good job, and continue to pay off long after retirement. Evidence has shown that formal education, like high school and college, may reduce a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s.Research published in 2020 by The Lancet Commission that examined dementia interventions found 7% of worldwide dementia cases could be prevented by increasing early-life education. The study found higher childhood education levels and higher lifelong educational attainment could reduce dementia risk. Exactly how education helps is a mystery, but researchers have several theories.Never stop learningThe majority of dementia risk studies have examined the benefits of obtaining education early in life. But Okonkwo says some studies have shown that learning new skills and working in jobs that are cognitively complex in mid and late life could also help protect the brain. For example, a 2015 study co-authored by Okonkwo found middle-aged adults who worked in mentally demanding occupations — especially dynamic jobs requiring frequent interaction and socialization with people — had higher cognitive reserve.
It's a consequence of a buildup of odd proteins in the brain.
While education can often postpone the symptoms, it can't prevent them, so the analogy with losing muscle tone is not reliable.
People who keep exercising maintain muscle mass, but people who stay educated and informed still get Alzheimer's.