Having a laugh may do more than temporarily lift your spirits; it may also protect your brain against age-related damage.
New research in the USA has found that showing older people a 20-minute funny video not only decreased amounts of the stress hormone cortisol in their blood, but also increased their ability to remember and learn new information.
The study author Lee Berk, says their conclusions highlight the connection between stress and memory, as well as the benefits of humour for ageing adults.
The researchers analysed one group of elderly individuals who had diabetes and another group of elderly people who were healthy.
Both groups were required to view a 20-minute funny video, before completing a memory test that measured their visual recognition, learning ability and memory recall.
A third group of elderly individuals were asked to complete the memory test without watching the funny video. The team then compared the results of all three groups.
Cortisol levels for all participants were recorded before and after the experiments.
The investigators found that both groups who watched the humorous video showed a significant reduction in cortisol levels, compared with the group that did not view the video.
The groups that watched the funny video also showed greater improvement in memory recall, learning ability and sight recognition, compared with those who did not watch the video.
The diabetic group demonstrated the greatest improvement in both cortisol levels and memory test scores.
Long-term exposure to high levels of cortisol brought about by prolonged periods of stress show shrinkage in the hippocampus (which is essential for memory formation and function) and the prefrontal cortex (which aids in problem-solving, glucose metabolism and control of impulse behaviours).
Research has shown that lowering cortisol levels can also enhance immune system functioning, decrease inflammation, lower blood pressure and result in better weight management, regardless of a person’s age.
So go on have a laugh – it will do you no end of good!
By Tina Foster
