By John Salak –
The battle to fight cognitive decline and the corresponding onset of Alzheimer’s Disease is being waged against many fronts. The results of been uneven to date, which is troubling given that more than 150 million people are projected to be suffering for the disease by 2050.
Recent research, however, indicates that focusing on improving lifestyle changes and reducing vascular risks may have a positive impact on preventing and possibly reserving cognitive deterioration.
Ultimately, this approach comes under the definition of spiritual fitness, which covers psychological and spiritual wellbeing. “The key point of this review is that making a commitment to a brain longevity lifestyle, including spiritual fitness, is a critically important way for aging Alzheimer’s disease free,” according to a reported presented in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.
The study maintain that continued religious and spiritual involvement can preserve cognitive function as individuals age and this “spiritual fitness” may become a new dimension in Alzheimer’s prevention.
The authors note that psychological wellbeing may reduce inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and disability, all of which can help offset cognitive decline. They also report that individuals who have a high “purpose in life” (PIL) score, which is a component of psychological wellbeing, were 2.4 times more likely to remain free of Alzheimer’s than individuals with low scores. Corresponding data on individuals with higher PIL scores also showed they demonstrated stronger cognitive function than those with lower scores.
The study adds that certain meditation practices, such as Kirtan Kriya, has been found to increase blood flow to the brain, which is believed improve cognition, memory faculties and enhance moods.
Spiritual fitness is far from a defined science or proven approach in the battle against cognitive decline. Dangerous drawbacks, however, appear nonexistent to date, making the process harmless at worst and possibly helpful at best.
