Cases of cognitive impairment among retired farmers are declining, but diagnosed dementias are on the rise. This is the result of monitoring 1,000 people since 2007.
An aging population, but not in poorer health. According to the results of the AMI study, launched in 2007, cognitive deficits have declined among retired farmers. Cases of dementia are increasingly identified by doctors.
– 38% of cognitive deficits
Over the past 20 years, cognitive deficits with disabilities have fallen by 38% in the farming population. An astonishing result for researchers from Inserm (Institute for Health and Medical Research), who follow 1,000 retirees. Indeed, the increase in life expectancy and the aging of baby boomers left to expect a progression of cognitive declines.
Clinically diagnosed dementia, on the other hand, climbed 12% between 2007 and 2014. But this rise should be attributed to better symptom detection by general practitioners.
Better nourished rural people
The AMI study is also interested in the impact of new technologies in monitoring farmers – by definition isolated. A study was carried out on 60 participants of the AMI cohort, who were given smartphones. The device was used to assess the cognitive functions of retirees, their functioning in daily life and their behavior. The assessment is finer than that performed during a follow-up visit, the researchers conclude, particularly in subtle cognitive deficits. Examination of the data also reveals a spike in memory after activities such as reading or crossword puzzles.
Last good news, and not the least: the nutritional status of people living in the countryside. While 18% of urban dwellers are malnourished, this is only the case for 7% of rural dwellers. Maybe this is a sign of better health. Dementia is a risk factor for malnutrition, as is low income, addiction, depression, or taking more than three drugs a day.
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