Laugh your way to improved short-term memory

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ANI Washington
Last Updated : Apr 21 2014 | 10:25 AM IST

A new study has revealed that laughter can improve short-term memory and makes the brain work better in older adults.

The research conducted by Loma Linda University in Southern California made 20 normal, healthy, older adults watched a funny video distraction-free for 20 minutes and found that those who got to laugh the 20 minutes away with the funny video scored better on short-term memory tests, ABC News reported.

The research also found that people who laughed had decreased level of the stress hormone cortisol, which is an enemy of memory.

Dr. Gurinder S. Bains said that the learning ability and delayed recall become more challenging as people age and laughing with friends or even watching 20 minutes of humor on TV helps to cope with daily stressors.

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First Published: Apr 21 2014 | 10:10 AM IST

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