Mind & Mood

Caring for the grandkids could improve your brainpower

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Menopause

The women took three different tests of memory and mental processing speed. Those who watched their grandkids one day a week performed highest on two out of the three tests. However, women in the study who watched their grandkids five days a week or more actually scored worse on tests of mental function. "We know that older women who are socially engaged have better cognitive function and a lower risk of developing dementia later, but too much of a good thing just might be bad," Dr. Margery Gass, executive director of the North American Menopause Society, said in a statement.

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