A new research suggests that a lifetime of mental activity can be beneficial for you when it comes to fight with Alzheimer disease.

The researchers at the Iowa State University identified a protein essential for building memories which appears to predict the progression of memory loss and brain atrophy in Alzheimer's patients.

Times of India reported, according to the research assistant Auriel Willette, the findings which published in the journal Brain, Behavior and Immunity, suggest that, there is a link between brain activity and the presence of the protein neuronal pentraxin-2, or NPTX2.

Swanson said that, "NPTX2 seems to exert a protective effect." "The more you have, the less brain atrophy and better memory you have over time."

The discovery offers an avenue to track the progression of Alzheimer's disease over time, however, it also generates plenty of questions. Researchers want to know how best to boost NPTX2 levels and if there is an added benefit. They were struck by a trend in the data that points to a possible answer.

Willette noted that people with complex jobs or who stay mentally and socially active could see similar benefits, supporting the notion of "use it or lose it."

"You're keeping the machinery going," Willette said. "It makes sense that the more time spent intensely focused on learning, the more your brain is trained to process information and that doesn't go away. That intense kind of learning seems to make your brain stronger."

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Nandini