Blacks are more likely than whites to develop cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's Disease later in life, but a new study suggests a simple conversation may be able to help with that.
Could the constancy of a sympathetic ear help guard your brain against the ravages of aging?
Yes, claims new research that analyzed data on nearly 2,200 American adults and found those in their 40s and 50s who didn't have someone to listen to them had a mental ("cognitive") age that was four years older than those who had good listeners in their lives.
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"This study adds to growing evidence that people can take steps, either for themselves or the people they care about most, to increase the odds they'll slow down cognitive aging or prevent the development of symptoms of Alzheimer's disease — something that is all the more important given that we still don't have a cure for the disease," Dr. Joel Salinas, lead researcher and member of the Center for Cognitive Neurology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City, says.
Having an ear to bend when you need to talk is associated with greater "cognitive resilience," which is a measure of the brain's ability to function better than would be expected for the amount of aging or disease-related changes in the brain, study authors explain.
Many neurologists believe this mental resilience can be improved through brain-stimulating activities, physical exercise and positive social interactions.
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"We think of cognitive resilience as a buffer to the effects of brain aging and disease," Dr. Salinas adds.
The four years' difference in cognitive age between people with good listeners and those without "can be incredibly precious," Salinas says.
"Too often, we think about how to protect our brain health when we're much older, after we've already lost a lot of time decades before to build and sustain brain-healthy habits," Salinas adds. "But today, right now, you can ask yourself if you truly have someone available to listen to you in a supportive way, and ask your loved ones the same. Taking that simple action sets the process in motion for you to
ultimately have better odds of long-term brain health and the best quality of life you can have."
Doctors should also consider asking patients whether they have access to a dependable listener, Salinas suggests.
"Loneliness is one of the many symptoms of depression, and has other health implications for patients," he explains. "These kinds of questions about a person's social relationships and feelings of loneliness can tell you a lot about a patient's broader social circumstances, their future health, and how they're really doing outside of the clinic."
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Can't find someone who will listen?
If you are feeling loneliness, depression, anxiety, etc. you should voice this to not only your doctors, but family members and friends so that they can be a source of support for you. However, not everyone has the luxury of having close family or friends to vent to that will listen.
If you are having trouble finding someone that will listen, you can try seeking support from the following people:
- Neighbor: You can try sparking a conversation with your neighbor. You never know what you may have in common and what type of support they may be able to offer you.
- Support group: Support groups provide services in finding qualified adults to those needing a valued listener.
- Social apps: Social apps are a great way to make friends despite where you live. You may be able to vent to these friends without judgment.
Remember it is never too late to seek support and get the help you need. Your future self will thank you.
