Powerful Thinking: Why a Positive Mindset Could Affect Cognition

You’ve probably heard it before from self-help gurus: there’s power in positive thinking. That optimistic mindset may help you embrace new opportunities, conquer a challenge, or deal with some bad news.

The Mayo Clinic says, “having a positive outlook enables you to cope better with stressful situations, which reduces the harmful health effects of stress on your body.” Other theories imply that optimistic people often live healthier lifestyles.

Researchers have studied the effects of positivity as a response to major health issues, such as a cancer diagnosis or recovery from a heart attack. Now a new study out of the Yale School of Public Health looks at positive thinking and cognitive impairment.

 

Positive Thoughts About Aging

Research suggests individuals with mild cognitive impairment who think positively about aging may be able to recover memory.

“It is widely assumed that individuals who develop mild cognitive impairment (MCI) will not recover. Yet nearly half of older persons with MCI regain normal cognition,” according to the study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The study looked at nearly 2000 participants of men and women with an average age of 78 years old.

The results of the study confirmed the researchers’ hypothesis. The group who had a positive mindset on aging had a 30% greater likelihood of recovering their memory, than those in the negative belief group.

 

Aging Forward

The study did not provide any recommendations as to how to apply this new insight. However, it did propose that “age-belief interventions at the individual and societal levels could increase the number of people who experience cognitive recovery.”

 

About Advena Living

For many people, moving to a long-term care or assisted living community can be daunting. It can be difficult to think positively about that transition. However, facilities across the country are embracing new methods of person-centered care and models that feel less like an institution, and more like a home.

At Advena Living, we want to help our residents live their best lives. Part of our guiding philosophy is that we honor choice. We believe that residents should always have a say in how they live their lives. We will work hard to accommodate what you want your schedule to be every day.

Advena Living specializes in skilled nursing, long-term care, rehabilitation and assisted living services throughout the state. We have locations in Bonner Springs, Cherryvale, Clay Center, Clearwater, Rose Hill, Topeka, and Wichita.

Our name “Advena” means newcomer. We welcome newcomers seeking a senior living environment where they may continue to enjoy a full life.