Top list of activities to lower your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease published
A Monash University study has found that using computers, crossword puzzles and games such as chess help avoid dementia much more effectively than knitting, painting or socializing.The findings will help older people and their caregivers reduce the risk of developing dementia. Scientists are confident their findings are among the most reliable on the topic to date.
The authors of the paper used data from 10,318 Australians aged 70 years and older. All subjects are from the ASPREE project and the ALSOP (ASPREE Longitudinal Study of Older People) substudy.
It turned out that participants who regularly did crossword puzzles, took various training courses (including computer training), took quizzes, played cards and charades were 9-11% less likely to develop dementia than their peers.
Creative hobbies such as crafting, knitting and painting, as well as more passive activities such as reading, reduced the risk by 7%. In contrast, active social networking and frequent outings to movies or restaurants did not reduce the risk of dementia. (It is important to note, however, that social isolation of older adults increases the risk of depression)
The results remained statistically significant even when taking into account earlier education level and socioeconomic status. There were no significant differences between men and women.