Three hobbies that could cut Alzheimer's risk by nearly 40%
Alzheimer's symptoms appear when parts of the brain start to shrink, affecting both its physical structure and functionality
Rhianna Benson
New research has suggested that anyone susceptible to Alzheimer's should take up three specific hobbies to help keep the disease at bay.
For those out of the loop with the latest figures on the condition, it's the most common cause of dementia in the UK - the latter describing a group of symptoms associated with an ongoing decline in brain functioning.
Both Alzheimer's and dementia affect a person's ability to make memories, as well as their thinking skills and other mental abilities.
According to the NHS, these symptoms present themselves when parts of the brain start to shrink (a process known as atrophy), which affects both the physical structure and functionality of this vital organ.
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This reduction is thought to be caused by a mix of age-related adjustments and influenced by genetics, environment and lifestyle.
As we say, however, in recent years, medical leaders have ploughed vast amounts into research on the possible ways a person might reduce their risk of ever receiving a diagnosis.
Amongst the dominant theories and propositions in this area is the idea that an active brain is crucial in keeping Alzheimer's at bay.
With this in mind, some scientists have recommended taking up three hobbies that they believe keep this organ constantly stimulated, by ensuring a person is always learning, rationalising and solving problems.
In fact, as cited by The Independent, these researchers - who work at the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology - reportedly believe these activities could slashing a person's chances of developing the disease by 40 per cent.
We are, of course, talking about reading, writing, and taking up a new language.
A study cited in the Academy's in-house paper Neurology tracked the data from 1,939 people with an average age of 80 over a period of eight years.
No one involved in the study had been diagnosed with dementia when it first commenced.
Numerous aspects of their childhoods were assessed, including their basic education levels and their access to encyclopaedias, globes, atlases, etc. Researchers were also curious as to the reading experiences of each individual participant - how they were taught, whether they were read to as youngsters, etc - and whether or not they ever learned a language.
Their income levels in later life stages were also assessed - again, alongside their access to books, the use of a library membership and the part-taking in cultural activities, like visits to museums.
The frequency of reading, writing and playing games into their older years (from 80 onwards) was looked at closely.
After ruling out factors like age, sex and level of education, researchers found that the top 10 per cent of participants lucky enough to have enjoyed a life of cognitive enrichment were 38 per cent less likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
It was also found that this group had a 36 per cent reduced risk of suffering from any mild cognitive impairment compared to the 10 per cent at the other end of the scale.
Researchers lastly found a pattern whereby those in the top group of readers, writers and language-learners were developing Alzheimer's an average of five years later than other participants, and seven years later in cases of mild cognitive impairment.
"Our findings suggest that cognitive health in later life is strongly influenced by lifelong exposure to intellectually stimulating environments," author of the study, Dr Andrea Zammit, from Rush University Medical Centre in Chicago, explained.
Dr Isolde Radford - senior policy manager at Alzheimer's Research UK - also discussed the findings, telling press: "This new research shows that staying mentally active throughout life can cut the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by nearly 40 per cent.
"This supports what we already know about the preventative steps people can take to reduce their risk of developing dementia."
She continued: "It also highlights that dementia is not an inevitable part of aging and that our cognitive health is shaped throughout our lives. Yet only a third of UK adults realise they can reduce their risk of dementia, meaning millions of people are missing opportunities to protect their brain health."
On how these findings should fit into real-world advice, Dr Radford emphasised: "Prevention matters, and the Government must lead a bold, joined-up approach to protecting the nation’s brain health - from tackling air pollution, to making healthy food affordable and prioritising early-years education.
"These big changes are essential to make sure everyone, particularly those in disadvantaged communities, benefits from good brain health."