#683 - Active Minds
Does reading, playing games, or visiting museums protect your brain as you age? U.S. researchers examined whether cognitive activity in childhood, midlife, and late life independently links to Alzheimer’s disease dementia risk.
Using data from the Chicago Health and Aging Project between 1993 and 2012, the study included nearly 2,000 adults, average age 73 years, 63% female, and 54% Black. Researchers measured participants’ cognitive activity across their lifespan, clinically assessing Alzheimer’s disease dementia using detailed cognitive testing and neurologist evaluations, with diagnoses made according to established national clinical guidelines. Their experiences across their lifespan were examined for associations with the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s.
Results? 20% of participants developed Alzheimer’s disease dementia. Midlife and late-life cognitive activity were both associated with significantly lower risk. Each increase in activity level during midlife and late life was associated with a reduced risk of dementia. Early-life activity does not show an independent association.
Conclusions? Staying mentally active and being curious in midlife and later years may matter more than what you did as a child to prevent dementia. Keep your brain engaged now! Read, learn something new, join a class, engage in stimulating conversations, and challenge yourself regularly!
Written by Kristin M. Harris, Ph.D.