Lifestyle and memory in the elderly.
BACKGROUND
Healthy lifestyle has been associated with a decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, but its relationship with memory functions is still inconclusive. This study aims to analyze the association between a composite lifestyle index and memory performance.


METHODS
In this cross-sectional survey, 198 healthy individuals (aged 65-84 years) underwent tests of verbal episodic memory. A composite lifestyle index was calculated that included the following lifestyle dimensions: physical exercise, dietary habits, BMI, smoking and alcohol consumption. The healthiest behavior was defined as: a BMI <22; a diet high in fruits, vegetables, wholemeal/low-fat foods and unsaturated fatty acids; energy expenditure through physical activity >13,000 kcal/week; a history of never smoking; an alcohol consumption of 4-10 drinks per week.


RESULTS
Linear regression analysis revealed that a high lifestyle index score was associated with a better memory score (after adjusting for age, sex, education and blood pressure). The composite index had a stronger relationship with memory scores than single factors.


CONCLUSIONS
This cross-sectional study revealed that a healthy lifestyle, assessed by a simple composite index, is related to better memory performance in healthy elderly individuals. Our findings point to the importance of a comprehensive modulation of lifestyle factors when finding ways to preserve memory functions in the elderly.
Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany. floeel@uni-muenster.de
Agnes
A
Flöel
A Veronica
AV
Witte
Hubertus
H
Lohmann
Heike
H
Wersching
E Bernd
EB
Ringelstein
Klaus
K
Berger
Stefan
S
Knecht
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology