Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

How a person describes their job can reveal dementia risk in old age

Dr Restak, who has also served as President of the American Neuropsychiatric Association, delves into groundbreaking research that hints at the early detection of dementia

How a person describes their job can reveal dementia risk in old age

In his recent book "How To Prevent Dementia," Dr Restak, an author and clinical professor of neurology at George Washington University, uncovers early indicators of dementia, challenging our understanding of this condition.

Dr Restak, who has also served as President of the American Neuropsychiatric Association, delves into groundbreaking research that hints at the early detection of dementia.


Central to his findings is a 1968 research study, often referred to as "the nun study," led by epidemiologist David Snowdon, the HuffPost reported.

This unique study involved 678 nuns and provided unprecedented insights into the early signs of dementia.

Dr Restak highlights a fascinating aspect of this research: the nuns' autobiographical essays, penned in their twenties as part of their applications to join convents, held clues to their future cognitive health.

According to Dr Restak, Snowdon discovered a notable pattern in these essays.

The writing of nuns who later developed dementia typically had less complexity and fewer ideas compared to those who remained dementia-free.

“The best functioning nuns differed from their counterparts who had succumbed to dementia by what he termed cognitive density: many thoughts and ideas woven into few sentences and paragraphs,” he revealed.

Dr Restak illustrates this point with two striking examples.

For example, Dr Restak refers to a nun who, at the age of 93, vividly recalled her life as a young woman. Seventy years earlier, she had written, “After I finished the eighth grade in 1921, I desired to become an aspirant at Mankato [a convent], but I myself did not have the courage to ask permission of my parents. So, Sister Egreda did in my stead.”

This nun, still mentally agile in her nineties, was actively involved in writing a biography, knitting, crocheting, playing cards, and walking daily at the time of her interview, Dr Restak said.

In contrast, another nun, also in her nineties but exhibiting symptoms of dementia, had penned a much simpler autobiographical essay in her early twenties: “After I left school, I worked in the post office.”

Dr Restak highlights the differences in their narratives. The first nun's account is filled with layers of complexity, indecision, and perhaps reluctance, as she struggled to communicate her desire to join the convent to her parents.

The second nun's description, however, is straightforward and lacks depth, focusing solely on her employment post-schooling, with no further elaboration.

However, Dr Restak emphasises that how one describes their job or experiences is not the sole indicator of this phenomenon.

It is more about the 'cognitive density' mentioned previously – the richness and quantity of thoughts and ideas that “you pack into your words.”

It is worth mentioning that this observation was made in the case of nuns who authored their essays in their twenties.

Dr Restak said the Nun Study provides further evidence supporting the theory that Alzheimer's disease begins long before it is officially diagnosed by doctors and recognised by family members.

More For You

Donald Trump

The latest tariffs are part of Trump’s broader effort to address what he claims are unfair trade practices

Getty

Trump pressures UK to accept chlorinated chicken for tariff relief

Britain is facing renewed pressure from the United States to lift its ban on chlorinated chicken as a condition for tariff relief, following the imposition of sweeping new trade barriers by Donald Trump’s administration. The US president has introduced a 10 per cent tariff on all British exports to the United States, with even steeper levies placed on imports from the European Union.

US tariffs and trade demands

The latest tariffs are part of Trump’s broader effort to address what he claims are unfair trade practices. The White House, in its announcement, criticised the UK’s “non-science-based standards” that restrict American agricultural imports, including poultry and beef. It argued that these trade policies act as non-tariff barriers that disadvantage US exporters.

Keep ReadingShow less
8 packaged foods recalled in UK in the last month

These food recalls show how important it is to check labels and stay updated on safety alerts

iStock

8 packaged foods recalled in UK in the last month

Food recalls in the UK are issued when products pose risks to consumers. These risks can range from contamination to allergen mislabelling, and staying informed about these recalls is crucial for consumer safety. Recent recalls emphasize the importance of vigilance when purchasing and consuming food items. If you’ve recently stocked up on groceries, it’s time to check your pantry and fridge to ensure none of the items listed below are affected.

1. Tony’s Chocolonely Chocolate Bars

On April 2, 2025, Tony’s Chocolonely recalled its Dark Almond Sea Salt & Everything Bar after discovering small stones in the product. The presence of foreign objects in food can pose serious risks, such as dental damage or choking hazards. The company has urged customers to return the affected items immediately to avoid potential harm. If you have recently purchased this product, check your packaging and return it to the store where it was bought for a full refund.

Keep ReadingShow less
Priyanka Chopra’s Skincare Secret for a Radiant Glow

A glimpse into the secret behind her flawless, dewy glow

Instagram/ priyankachopra

Priyanka Chopra shares her skincare secret for achieving the ultimate glow

Global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas has once again mesmerized fans, not just with her undeniable star power but also with her radiant beauty and touching personal moments. The actress recently took to social media to unveil her simple yet effective skincare ritual, offering a glimpse into the secret behind her flawless, dewy glow.

A glow that speaks volumes

Priyanka’s skincare revelation came via her Instagram stories, where she showcased the results of her go-to beauty practice, a sheet mask. The actress shared snapshots flaunting her luminous complexion post-skincare, proving that sometimes, the simplest routines yield the most stunning results.

Keep ReadingShow less
Meghan Markle

Meghan remains optimistic about the future of her brand

Getty

Meghan Markle’s ‘As Ever’ products sell out in just 30 minutes, including £21.60 honey jars

Meghan Markle’s latest business venture, the As Ever lifestyle range, has made a remarkable debut, with products selling out in under 30 minutes. The highly anticipated collection, which features a selection of premium artisanal goods, has garnered immediate consumer interest and social media excitement.

Among the standout products was a jar of wildflower honey with honeycomb, priced at $28 (£21.60), which quickly disappeared from the online store. Other sought-after items included flower sprinkles at $15 (£11.60), raspberry jam at $14 (£10.80), and a selection of herbal teas and baking mixes, each ranging between $12 (£9.30) and $14 (£10.80). The rapid sell-out reflects Meghan’s growing influence in the lifestyle and wellness market.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kareena Kapoor

Striking appearance at the Vivienne Westwood show

Instagram/ kareenakapoorkhan

Kareena Kapoor dazzles in red at Vivienne Westwood show in Mumbai

Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor made a striking appearance at the Vivienne Westwood show in Mumbai on Tuesday evening, turning heads in a glamorous red ensemble. The event, held at the iconic Gateway of India, was a celebration of India’s rich textile heritage and featured an exclusive showcase of Vivienne Westwood’s Spring-Summer 2025 collection.

A show-stopping look

Kareena Kapoor, known for her impeccable fashion sense, was the cynosure of all eyes as she arrived in a stunning red gown featuring a thigh-high slit, corset bodice, and off-shoulder sleeves. Her outfit exuded elegance and sophistication, complemented by her gold-hued heels, which added a touch of glamour to her look.

Keep ReadingShow less