Thursday, February 28, 2008

Mental acuity in seniors improving, study suggests

The brain function of Americans 70 and older appears to be improving, according to a study that found a smaller percentage of seniors with serious memory and language problems in 2002 than in 1993.

The finding, which researchers say is still preliminary, parallels an improvement in physical functioning among older Americans that is well documented.

"If this study is indeed confirmed and replicated, then it says that cognitive decline associated with aging is malleable," said Richard Suzman, director for behavioral and social research at the National Institute on Aging, which helped fund the study. "There may be interventions that can be brought to bear to accelerate the trend. It's potentially very good news."

Although the study does not mean that every individual will live healthier into old age, it does suggest that as a whole, people are functioning at a higher level for longer periods. That could mean that more people will be able to live independently later in life, said Suzman.

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