AWAY FROM ALZHEIMER'S
Being organized and showing self-discipline go a long way to preventing Alzheimer's
Do you think you work hard to accomplish your goals? Do you believe strongly that you strive for excellence in everything you do? Are you conscientious about keeping your belongings clean and neat? And are you good about pacing yourself so as to get things done on time?
If you strongly believe you do these things, you are on the road to avoiding Alzheimer's disease, according to a study just published in Archives of General Psychiatry.
In a 12-year study of Catholic priests, nuns and brothers, researchers found that "people who are low in the conscientious trait are about twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's disease," says Robert S. Wilson, professor of neuropsychology at the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and lead author of the report.
Brent Roberts, professor of psychology at the University of Illinois, suggests that "conscientiousness deletes risk factors that cause premature death, such as smoking, and drinking and driving. One possibility [for the effect of conscientiousness on reducing Alzheimer's occurrence] is that, if you look at what doctors call cognitive decline, it is related to cardiovascular disease. It is completely speculative, but people who are less conscientious are more likely to smoke more and exercise less."
So, the tip for the day is:
1) Plan out what needs to be done in an effort to get everything done and done well.
2) Work to make sure that you always try your best.
3) Take care of that which is your responsibility.
4) Understand what needs to be done when so that you avoid the stress of missed deadlines.
Minimally, this plan can ease stress, which can help reduce blood pressure and thereby reduce heart attack risk. At best, even though we don't yet know why, it could prevent you from developing Alzheimer's. Spend a little consciousness dwelling on the upside of that!