title: Psychological wellbeing linked to better cognitive function.
abstract: Cognitive decline is associated with poor physical health, particularly cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as depression and low socioeconomic status. Depression is known to be associated with increased levels of cognitive decline, but there is also growing evidence that psychological wellbeing is predictive of better general health. It has been shown, for instance, that stroke is less common in those with a positive sense of wellbeing. Optimistic older people have also been found to have lower rates of both mortality and institutionalisation over a ten-year period. This may be because of reduced levels of stress. There is evidence to suggest that positive mood influences cognitive performance over short periods and it is also possible that high levels of psychological wellbeing are beneficial for cognitive function over longer time periods.