Lifetime trauma linked to dementia and memory problems in older Australians, study
The study of more than 1,800 older Australians found that people who had experienced lifetime trauma were more likely to have mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia and performed worse on working memory and executive function tests.
A recent study of over 1,800 older Australians has revealed a connection between lifetime trauma and a greater likelihood of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia, alongside poorer performance on tests assessing working memory and executive function. According to Dr. Yvonne Leung from ACU's School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, the impact of traumatic experiences extends well into later life, not just those from the past six months.
She emphasizes that traumatic experiences throughout one's life, rather than recent stress, play a significant role in cognitive health during older age.
The research, published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, also highlights the importance of psychological resilience in mitigating the effects of trauma on cognitive function. Men and women exhibit varying responses to trauma, and Leung's study found that resilience was a stronger protector of cognitive health in men than in women.
She explains that resilience can grow over time through personal experiences and social support, making it a promising target for enhancing healthy cognitive aging. Further research is needed to explore how specific traumatic experiences, such as combat among veterans and domestic violence, affect cognitive health.
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