Study: Brain Size, Education Help Alzheimer Patients Function Better

Having a larger brain size or more education appears to help people with Alzheimer's disease function more normally, according to a study reported in the June issue of the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology.

However, study author James Mortimer, who directs the University of South Florida's Institute on Aging, said the study of 294 Catholic nuns found that more education or a larger brain does not decrease the chances of Alzheimer's disease.

Mortimer said more education or larger brain size allows the brain to function at a higher level despite the presence of Alzheimer's disease, while adding that the process is similar to the way a larger and better dam is able to prevent a flood from occurring during a major storm.

Although brain size is determined by age 12, Mortimer said, education is a lifelong process that can possibly delay Alzheimer's disease by keeping the brain active.

Other sources: University of Florida Health Sciences Center