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4 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, at costs of about
$1 billion a year, and it is estimated that this number will
increase to 12 million to 15 million by 2050.
Fortunately, it appears that leading a mentally stimulating
life can ward of the disease. Several large studies have shown
this association, which may occur because mental challenge
helps to build the brain, making it less vulnerable to lesions
that impair the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.
Studies have also found that "booster" classes
on improving memory in reasoning can be beneficial for older
adults. Certain personality traits, such as imagination and
curiosity, were also associated with better memory among adults
over the age of 60 years.
USA
Today August 6, 2003
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