Facial Symmetry and Memory

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Facial Symmetry and Memory

http://www.aolhealth.com/2009/11/12/facial-symmetry-dementia

 

Symmetrical facial structure has long been touted as a favorable physical attribute when judging beauty, but new research suggests that this superficial trait present in celebrities like George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Jude Law may have health-related benefits as well. According to the Daily Mail, recent research conducted at the University of Edinburgh concluded that men with asymmetrical faces are more likely to experience mental deterioration between ages 79 and 83. A longitudinal study that measured the facial symmetry of 216 men and women since 1932 was compared with recent reasoning and reaction time test scores of the participants. Though there appeared to be no connection between facial symmetry and cognitive ability in female participants, men who had more equally proportioned faces performed better. Researchers deduced that these men were at less risk for memory-affecting conditions like dementia, which is a gradual loss of mental skills that can affect memory and your ability to think. Lars Penke, M.D., who led the study, believes that facial symmetry might be a window to men's internal health. "This link could show that facial symmetry can be used as a marker which could predict [cognitive] decline," Penke told The Daily Mail. Though you may not have a perfectly symmetrical face, it doesn't mean you're doomed to suffer from serious memory loss. To prevent this condition, make sure to treat or prevent high blood pressure, refrain from smoking, maintain a healthy weight and keep your cholesterol in check. It's also important to exercise regularly and stay mentally alert by taking up new hobbies and remaining socially active.