Exercise, Doing Chores, and Socializing Can All Help Lower Dementia Risk, Study Shows
Recent research published in the medical journal Neurology suggests that staying mentally and physically engaged can potentially lower the risk of developing dementia and cognitive decline later in life. The study, which analyzed participants’ self-reported behavior over a ten-year period, found that engaging in frequent exercise, physical activity, housework, and social interactions with family and friends were associated with a decreased risk of various types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
According to study author Dr. Huan Song, adopting a healthier lifestyle and engaging in regular physical and mental activities can be effective interventions for the primary prevention of dementia, regardless of genetic susceptibility. While there is still much to learn about dementia risk and treatment, the findings highlight the potential benefits of lifestyle changes in reducing the risk of dementia.
Experts emphasize the connection between brain function and physical and mental activity, and the importance of adopting these lifestyle changes. Although more research is needed, incorporating regular exercise, engaging in mentally stimulating activities, maintaining social connections, and adopting a healthier lifestyle may contribute to reducing the risk of developing dementia. It’s crucial to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance and support in implementing these lifestyle changes to promote brain health and potentially reduce the risk of dementia.
Specific Activities Associated With Lower Dementia Risk
The study, conducted using data from the U.K. Biobank, a comprehensive biomedical database, involved 501,376 participants who were initially free of dementia and had an average age of 56. These participants were followed for an average of 11 years. At the beginning of the study, they provided self-reported information on their levels of physical and mental activity, including engagement in housework, socialization, and use of electronic devices.
During the follow-up period, 5,185 participants were diagnosed with dementia. The study revealed a significant association between physical and mental activity levels and the risk of developing dementia. Participants who maintained active lifestyles experienced the greatest benefits. Those who engaged in frequent exercise had a 35% lower risk of dementia, while regular housework and frequent social interactions were associated with a 21% and 15% reduction in dementia risk, respectively.
Importantly, even when considering genetic risk factors and family history of dementia, lifestyle factors remained beneficial in lowering the risk of dementia. The findings highlight the universal importance of physical and mental activity in reducing the risk of dementia, regardless of individual susceptibility to the disease.
Dr. Song emphasized the significance of these findings, stating that physical and mental activity have a positive impact on dementia risk reduction, regardless of genetic predisposition. The study underscores the importance of adopting an active lifestyle to promote brain health and potentially prevent the onset of dementia.
More Evidence of a Link Between Brain Health and Lifestyle Choices
While the recent study provides further evidence of the relationship between lifestyle choices and brain health, the concept that physical and mental activity impacts cognition is not new. The Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study (FINGER) published in 2015 and the ongoing U.S. POINTER study have also explored the effects of healthy lifestyle factors on reducing the risk of dementia. The specific mechanisms behind this link are not yet fully understood, although there are some theories.
Dr. David Reuben, chief of the division of geriatrics at the UCLA Center for Health Sciences, suggests that a potential vascular component may be involved, as staying active can help maintain healthy blood vessels, which may also benefit brain health. The intellectual stimulation and socialization aspects are more difficult to explain, but Dr. Reuben suggests that staying intellectually stimulated could strengthen brain cell connections and potentially protect against cognitive decline.
It’s important to note that the study only shows an association between physical and mental activity and dementia risk, not a causal relationship. According to Dr. Vijay Ramanan from the Mayo Clinic, the research may indicate that individuals who are healthier are better able to engage in these activities. Remaining engaged in daily activities can offer independence, rewards, and provide challenges and stimulation for the mind and body.
While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, staying physically and mentally active is consistently associated with a reduced risk of dementia. Engaging in activities that promote a healthy lifestyle and cognitive stimulation may contribute to better brain health and potentially help prevent cognitive decline.
How to Incorporate More Physical, Mental, and Social Activities Into Your Schedule
According to Dr. Song, the findings of the study have broad implications, indicating that anyone can potentially benefit from incorporating more structure into their daily lives, even if certain activities or social interactions may not be easily accessible to everyone.
It’s important to note that the lifestyle changes highlighted in the study should be viewed as long-term habits rather than short-term fixes. Engaging in occasional activities won’t have an immediate cause-and-effect impact on cognitive function. The key is consistent and sustained engagement in activities that are enjoyable, rewarding, and provide physical, social, and cognitive challenges over extended periods of time.
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) suggests various activities that can promote brain health as individuals age, such as regular gardening, biking, or walking routines, practicing stress management techniques like yoga or journaling, taking new classes or joining clubs, and maintaining regular healthcare check-ups.
Dr. Reuben emphasizes that while lifestyle changes can be challenging, they are currently the best approach for dementia prevention in the absence of a specific treatment. Building a foundation of healthy habits in early and mid-life, including physical, social, and cognitive engagement, is crucial. The goal is to slow down and prevent the progression of these devastating illnesses, and hopefully, in the future, even reverse some of their effects.
The message is clear: incorporating consistent lifestyle changes that involve physical, social, and cognitive activities can contribute to better brain health and potentially reduce the risk of dementia.