Published on: March 7, 2015
by Kara Pendleton for IJReview:
A study of 186 Australian women ages 57-68 has revealed some surprising insights in the battle against Alzheimer’s and other diseases that affect cognitive functioning.
“The study, published in ‘Menopause’, the journal of the North American Menopause Society, finds post-menopausal women who spend time taking care of grandkids lower their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders.”
While social engagement can have a positive effect on cognitive function in older women, the responsibility of child care gave the women a purpose, thus heightening their mood.
While social engagement can have a positive effect on cognitive function in older women, the responsibility of child care gave the women a purpose, thus heightening their mood.
However, according to ‘Alzheimer’s Weekly’, the study had some unexpected results:
“They also found that the more time grandmothers spent taking care of the grandchildren, the more they felt that their children had been more demanding of them, so maybe mood plays a role in the unexpected result.”
The study showed that the ideal babysitting time for women aged 57 to 68 was one day a week, while lower cognitive functioning scores were received by those who babysat five, or more, days a week.
According to The National Institutes of Mental Health (NIH), there are 7 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease:
Alzheimers.net also notes that this is the first study to specifically evaluate the cognitive benefits of childcare for grandparents.
Although it’s great to celebrate the big achievements, it’s also important to celebrate the small wins.
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