Elderly Memory Loss May Just Be In The Mind

By James Donahue

March 2006

A recent study in psychology at Brandeis University has revealed that many older citizens experience memory loss because they believe it comes with old age.

But that is not necessarily true, the study found.

In a study of 335 participating adults ranging from ages 21 to 83, it was concluded that people who believed in their ability to retain a good memory had a strong influence on their actual performance.

Margie Lachman, a professor of psychology who participated in the test, said that among the middle-aged and older people, those who had more confidence in their ability to control cognitive functioning performed better on the test.

“Belief in your ability to retain a good memory helps make it happen,” Lachman said.

“Our study shows that the more you believe there are things you can do to remember information, the more likely you will be to use effort and adaptive strategies and to allocate resources effectively, and the less you will worry about forgetting,” she said.

Indeed, the human brain is an amazing computer. But like our muscles, if we don’t use it, the brain has a tendency to no longer function as effectively as it did when we were young.

The secret to maintaining good mental health is to keep that brain active as long as we remain alive. That involves reading, learning new information, memorizing facts and regurgitating them to others, debating new ideas with others, and simply keeping the brain busy.

If we retire to the old rocking chair and let the television set fill our brains with worthless daily babble, as we have seen so many elderly people do, the brain is going to turn to mush.

A prime example of an active brain is 60 Minutes veteran Mike Wallace who, at age 87, announced this week that he is “slowing down” to part-time appearances rather than remaining on the beat. This man, who has remained with the program since its inception in 1968, has been highly respected as a hard-hitting interrogator. His stories and his personal approach to world events are among the best in the field.

Our advice to older Americans who wish to maintain active minds throughout their lives: stay away from eating meat so you are not stricken with mad cow disease, be careful about using deodorants and cosmetics laced with aluminum that some believe has been linked to Alzheimer’s Disease, and don’t retire.

Formal retirement may be unpreventable. Many employers force older workers off the job these days just to get rid of the higher salaried workers. Almost everybody gets the old gold watch boot job at 65 and some are nudged off the work force earlier than that.

We are not talking about continued slavery. By retirement, we mean don’t let the brain shut down. Formal retirement from the slavery of youth often leaves room for mental and spiritual growth. Utilize that free time to pursue the Luciferian path and never let the mind go to sleep.

Do this, and you have an excellent chance of experiencing a full and rewarding life right to the end. And as you know, new research in genetics and gene therapy give promise of longer and healthier lives. Some believe it may soon be possible for people to live indefinitely.