XClose

UCL News

Home
Menu

Education prevents dementia

23 December 2005

The more intelligent and educated you are, the less chance you have of developing dementia, say scientists.

Researchers found being in an environment encouraging learning provides a stronger 'cognitive reserve' - a form of mental padding that cushions against diseases like Alzheimer's.

The team wrote in New Scientist magazine that this padding can be boosted with mental activities. Dr Colette Fabrigoule, of the University of Bordeaux, tested Alzheimer's patients and found educated people or those with high-status jobs were better at fighting the symptoms.

A study by Dr Marcus Richards, at University College London, also found that class, occupation and education help cognitive ability. He said: "Education works."

'The Express', 16 December 2005