A new study found that brain-stimulating activities can protect the brain against aging even if you genetically predisposed towards dementia or Alzheimer's. Mentally stimulating activities can protect against new-onset mild cognitive impairment - the intermediate stage between normal cognitive aging and dementia.
Researchers from Mayo Clinic found the benefits of mental stimulation could even help people with apolipoprotein E (APOE) E4 - a genetic risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer's. The researchers followed at least 1,900 mentally healthy men and women with an average age of 77, who participated in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging for four years on average.
During this period, more than 450 participants developed mild cognitive impairment, US News Health reported. Researchers found that those who regularly engaged in brain-stimulating activities had a lower risk of memory and thinking troubles.
According to CBS News, those who did mentally stimulating activities like online brain training programs such as Lumosity or BrainHQ, or even crossword puzzles or sudoku, at least one to two times per week could mean less decline in memory and thinking skills. The study also suggested that reading books and newspapers regularly did not seem to confer the same benefits for thinking and memory.
Dr. Yonas Geda, senior author of the study and behavioral neurologist at the Mayo Clinic said that their findings are considered preliminary until confirmed by a prospective cohort study. However, Geda said that they did find a cross-sectional previous study which associated engagement in mentally stimulating activities in late life and decreased odds of mild cognitive impairment.
Dr. Paul Wright, chair of neurology for North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y., and Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, N.Y. said that this study gives geriatric doctors more proof to convince their patients about brain workouts for healthy aging. Wright also said that these activities are more than just looking at something, but also involves exercises for vision and your hands and movement.
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