Scientists have suggested that growing old gracefully could prevent dementia, while the lack of respect for the elderly in western societies could prove detrimental in cases of Alzheimer's disease.
The research by Yale School of Public Health, USA, reveals that cultural, as well as social stereotypes can cause the development of age related malady.
The study shows that people who have been conditioned to believe that they will become mentally and physically feeble in their old age, most probably will become so. The stress of these negative thoughts could stimulate dementia and alter the brain.
On the other hand, those who refuse to conform to age stereotype and are active, as well as positive are more likely to remain healthy and stay mentally fit for long.
Western countries, such as Britain, have a much higher rate of dementia in comparison to India. The lead author of the study, Dr Becca Levy explained, “We believe it it is the stress generated by the negative beliefs about ageing that individuals sometimes internalise from society that can result in pathological brain changes.”
Dr Levy further said, “Diet has been posited as an explanation for why the rate of Alzheimer's disease in the United States is five times that of India. Alternatively, this discrepancy might be explained by a comparison of those two cultures from which age stereotypes are derived: India has a tradition of venerating elders.”
