Noticing MCI? Improve with Positive Thinking.

What is MCI?

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the stage between the expected decline in memory and thinking that happens with age and the more serious decline of dementia. MCI may include problems with memory, language or judgment. People with MCI may be aware that their memory or mental function has “slipped.” Family and close friends also may notice changes. But these changes aren’t bad enough to impact daily life or affect usual activities. MCI may increase the risk of dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other brain disorders. But some people with mild cognitive impairment might never get worse. And some eventually get better.

A Yale study with 1,716 participant aging 65 and above found that older persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were 30% more likely to regain normal cognition if they had positive beliefs about aging from their culture. This cognitive recovery advantage was found regardless of baseline MCI severity, age and physical health.

Becca Levy, lead author of the study, states: ,

“Most people assume there is no recovery from MCI, but in fact half of those who have it do recover. Little is known about why some recover while others don’t.”

She added that a positive outlook in life could also play a significant role in cognitive recovery as per her observation in previous experimental studies.

Positive age belief was associated with reduced risk of MCI in older persons.

Always ‘look on the bright side’. Your brain will thank you for it.

Full report:
Source: Yale