%0 Generic
%A A., Flöel
%A A.V., Witte
%A H., Lohmann
%A H., Wersching
%A E.B., Ringelstein
%A K., Berger
%A S., Knecht
%D 2008
%T Supplementary Material for: Lifestyle and Memory in the Elderly
%U https://karger.figshare.com/articles/dataset/Supplementary_Material_for_Lifestyle_and_Memory_in_the_Elderly/5120419
%R 10.6084/m9.figshare.5120419.v1
%2 https://karger.figshare.com/ndownloader/files/8704435
%K Cognition, aging
%K Exercise
%K Diet
%K Smoking
%K Alcohol
%K Body mass index
%K Systemic Evaluation and Alleviation of Risk factors for Cognitive Health Study
%X Background: Healthy lifestyle has been associated with a decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, but its relationship with memory functions is still inconclusive. This study aims to analyze the association between a composite lifestyle index and memory performance. Methods: In this cross-sectional survey, 198 healthy individuals (aged 65–84 years) underwent tests of verbal episodic memory. A composite lifestyle index was calculated that included the following lifestyle dimensions: physical exercise, dietary habits, BMI, smoking and alcohol consumption. The healthiest behavior was defined as: a BMI <22; a diet high in fruits, vegetables, wholemeal/low-fat foods and unsaturated fatty acids; energy expenditure through physical activity >13,000 kcal/week; a history of never smoking; an alcohol consumption of 4–10 drinks per week. Results: Linear regression analysis revealed that a high lifestyle index score was associated with a better memory score (after adjusting for age, sex, education and blood pressure). The composite index had a stronger relationship with memory scores than single factors. Conclusions: This cross-sectional study revealed that a healthy lifestyle, assessed by a simple composite index, is related to better memory performance in healthy elderly individuals. Our findings point to the importance of a comprehensive modulation of lifestyle factors when finding ways to preserve memory functions in the elderly.
%I Karger Publishers