Boost your memory and improve your mental age with this easy habit
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Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we like to be on the lookout for simple and effective ways to keep our minds sharp as we age. Memory is a precious thing, and any advice backed by science that can help improve it is something we always want to share with you.
And one such piece of advice comes in the form of a simple habit, which scientists found could help boost your memory and keep your brain healthy for longer.
According to scientists, something as simple and convenient as taking a daily multivitamin could potentially boost memory and shave three years off your mental age.
In a recent study undertaken by researchers from Columbia University, over 3,500 participants aged 60 years and above were instructed to take a daily multivitamin for a year, while the rest of the participants took a placebo pill.
Both at the beginning and end of the study, volunteers had to complete thinking skill tests that involved typing as many words as they could remember from a list of 20.
And the results were rather interesting.
On average, those who took the multivitamin tablets recalled 7.81 words on average – just over 0.7 words more than the previous year.
Whereas those who took the placebo pills only saw an improvement of 0.44 words.
While the results raise hopes that people on multivitamins may be slightly better at remembering names after one listen, the authors of the study said that more research is needed since past studies have shown mixed results on whether multivitamins improve memory.
The authors of the study also estimated that the slight improvement demonstrated by the multivitamin group represented memories typical of someone three years younger.
This was based on their slight improvement in memory – which normally gets worse as people age.
But the researchers also acknowledge that the effects were ‘so small’ that people taking multivitamins might not see any noticeable difference in their memory.
In addition, the research did not find any improvement in other thinking skills, such as longer-term memory, visual memory, or executive function, which pertains to the decision-making and organisation skills of an individual.
Dr Adam Brickman, the senior author of the study, said: ‘Among older people, losing memory and cognitive abilities is a top health concern, and there are very few ways of addressing that. Our study suggests multivitamins may have a small but meaningful effect, although more research is needed.’
The study, therefore, concluded that multivitamins could provide memory benefits ‘equivalent to being around 3.1 years younger’.
Taking multivitamins also shows added benefits for those who have cardiovascular issues.
According to the researchers, multivitamins appeared to have a more significant impact on memory in those with vitamin deficiencies due to the said disease.
Some experts believe that a lack of nutrients may cause small alterations in the brain, which can be supplemented by a daily intake of multivitamins.
However, it is important to note that there was no significant link with longer-term memory, which researchers proved by asking people to recall the list of 20 words after a break of around 15 minutes.
Ultimately, supplements and multivitamins can be helpful but shouldn't entirely replace a balanced and varied diet. Nutrient-rich foods should still be the core of your daily nutritional intake.
If you're considering taking a daily multivitamin supplement, always consult with your doctor for guidance firsth.
Some other ways you can give your brain a boost include engaging in puzzles and brain games, staying connected and using the correct nutrition and exercise for your age.
What steps do you take to keep your brain healthy? Tell us in the comments below!
And one such piece of advice comes in the form of a simple habit, which scientists found could help boost your memory and keep your brain healthy for longer.
According to scientists, something as simple and convenient as taking a daily multivitamin could potentially boost memory and shave three years off your mental age.
In a recent study undertaken by researchers from Columbia University, over 3,500 participants aged 60 years and above were instructed to take a daily multivitamin for a year, while the rest of the participants took a placebo pill.
The participants completed thinking skill tests before the study and again a year later. Credit: Anna Shvets/Pexels
Both at the beginning and end of the study, volunteers had to complete thinking skill tests that involved typing as many words as they could remember from a list of 20.
And the results were rather interesting.
On average, those who took the multivitamin tablets recalled 7.81 words on average – just over 0.7 words more than the previous year.
Whereas those who took the placebo pills only saw an improvement of 0.44 words.
While the results raise hopes that people on multivitamins may be slightly better at remembering names after one listen, the authors of the study said that more research is needed since past studies have shown mixed results on whether multivitamins improve memory.
Those taking multivitamins recalled more than the previous year. Credit: Anna Shvets/Pexels
The authors of the study also estimated that the slight improvement demonstrated by the multivitamin group represented memories typical of someone three years younger.
This was based on their slight improvement in memory – which normally gets worse as people age.
But the researchers also acknowledge that the effects were ‘so small’ that people taking multivitamins might not see any noticeable difference in their memory.
In addition, the research did not find any improvement in other thinking skills, such as longer-term memory, visual memory, or executive function, which pertains to the decision-making and organisation skills of an individual.
Dr Adam Brickman, the senior author of the study, said: ‘Among older people, losing memory and cognitive abilities is a top health concern, and there are very few ways of addressing that. Our study suggests multivitamins may have a small but meaningful effect, although more research is needed.’
The study, therefore, concluded that multivitamins could provide memory benefits ‘equivalent to being around 3.1 years younger’.
Taking multivitamins also shows added benefits for those who have cardiovascular issues.
According to the researchers, multivitamins appeared to have a more significant impact on memory in those with vitamin deficiencies due to the said disease.
Remember these tips! Image credit: The Seniors Discount Club
Some experts believe that a lack of nutrients may cause small alterations in the brain, which can be supplemented by a daily intake of multivitamins.
However, it is important to note that there was no significant link with longer-term memory, which researchers proved by asking people to recall the list of 20 words after a break of around 15 minutes.
Ultimately, supplements and multivitamins can be helpful but shouldn't entirely replace a balanced and varied diet. Nutrient-rich foods should still be the core of your daily nutritional intake.
If you're considering taking a daily multivitamin supplement, always consult with your doctor for guidance firsth.
What steps do you take to keep your brain healthy? Tell us in the comments below!
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