Hi Mario,
You continue to tickle me pink, by once again assuring us that "church going, create positive and healthy mental attitude which is what is behind the beneficial effects." Goanet atheists have pounded us into submission with their claim that church-going was a wasted activity, generally undertaken by those with no cognitive function. :=)) The real purpose of this post is to clarify your first statement. At one time, we were taught that the brain does not regenerate. Now we believe the brain cells have a tremendous degree of neuro-plasticity; which can stop further cognitive deterioration; and permit cognition to recover after loss of function. Neuroplasticity refers to the ability of the brain to re-wire in response to stimuli. This recovery can be adequate for daily function; and sometimes may be even complete. To quote from the following website: Neuroplasticity is the term used to describe the brain’s ability to form neural connections in response to new information, sensory stimulation, development, dysfunction, or damage. In general neuroplasticity is often associated with learning that takes place during infancy. Research has shown that this type of change in neural connections takes place throughout a person’s life. http://www.helpforvisionloss.com/vrt/neuroplasticity/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuroplasticity http://www.memoryzine.com/neuroplasticity.htm One should not forget that after church / temple, one also receives "the village 'gozal' (news)", which also keeps the individual connected / wired to the outside world, helping their cognition. Regards, GL -------------- Mario writes: If one lacks cognitive function to begin with going to church is hardly likely to create what is missing. What I was suggesting was that there are likely to be many social activities, in addition to church going, that create the positive and healthy mental attitude which is what is behind the beneficial effects. ------------ Study Conclusions Conclusion. Church attendance appears to be beneficial for maintaining cognitive function of older persons. Church attendance moderates the impact of clinically relevant depressive symptoms on subsequent cognitive function. The link is to the entire paper. http://biomed.gerontologyjournals.org/cgi/content/full/63/5/480
