Health and Lifestyle May Affect Memory, Even in Young Adults

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that lifestyle factors and health issues may contribute to memory complaints, even in younger adults.  Researchers at UCLA examined known risk factors for dementia, including depression, lower education levels, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and smoking. They found that depression, low levels of education, physical inactivity and high blood pressure increased the likelihood of memory complaints in younger adults (ages 18-39), middle-aged adults (40-59) and older adults (60-99). In all age groups, depression was the strongest single risk factor for memory complaints. Regardless of age, even just one risk factor significantly increased the frequency of memory complaints. Memory complaints rose when the number of risk factors increased. This is just another reason to eat well, exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle and decrease stress.