Chinese study shows healthy lifestyle can slow age-related memory loss

Nearly 30,000 people in China were divided according to 6 modifiable choices and their memory loss measured over 10 years

The findings suggest age-associated memory decline could be mutable, even for those genetically predisposed to the condition

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Regular exercise, a healthy diet and an active social life are some of the factors which can reduce memory less associated with ageing, a study in China has found. Photo: AFP

Published: 5:00pm, 30 Jan 2023

A healthy lifestyle can lead to slower memory loss in older adults, including people who are genetically susceptible to cognitive decline, according to data gathered over a decade by hospitals across China.

The researchers, led by a team from Capital Medical University’s Xuanwu Hospital in Beijing, said the findings may help to protect against memory decline, in a study published last week by peer-reviewed journal The BMJ.

The study suggested age-associated memory decline – considered a normal part of ageing – “could be mutable” because of the various factors related to the condition.

Previous studies investigating the relationship between lifestyle and memory loss have tended to focus on a single factor, such as smoking, diet or physical activity, the authors said.

For their study, the researchers assessed the contribution of each of six modifiable lifestyle factors and their combined effects on memory among thousands of participants over 10 years.

The six healthy lifestyle factors included a healthy diet, regular physical exercise, active social contact, active cognitive activity, and an avoidance of smoking and alcohol.

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