Research Finds Cognitive Tests Important in the Elderly

As we get older, most of us accept the fact that our mental acuity will begin to leave us. In fact, it’s not uncommon to hear, “I’m getting older” as a way of explaining a certain lapse in memory or stray thought. But new research is showing we don’t have to accept these changes. Better still, they can be avoided with simple cognitive tests.

Interestingly, the study showed that cognitive testing could be brief. However, to the contrary of conventional wisdom, the benefits could last up to 10 years after testing was given.

The tests involved in this test were given to over 2,800 participates who had an average age of 73.6 years. These tests last roughly an hour in length and were given to the group over the course of 5-6 weeks. In total, there were just 10 tests.

10 years after these sessions were carried out, participants were again studied to see where they stood. Of the participants who received the testing, 60% were at the same level when it came to their mental acuity. However, those who were not given the sessions only showed these results in half their members.

While memory only improved for 5 years in the group that received the testing, the ability to reason and process information quickly showed improvement for a decade.

Although there is still plenty that can be done, including diet and exercise, to fight off the ravages of old age, these tests bring new home to those of us who worry about literally “losing our minds” as we get older.