Play games to help keep dementia at bay: study

By Jessica Hall

Puzzles, chess and writing journals may be more than pure amusements to pass the time. These brain activities could help reduce the risk of dementia.

According to a recent study in JAMA Network Open, activities related to adult literacy, such as taking classes, using a computer or writing journals, as well as active mental tasks like games, cards, or crossword puzzles, were related to a reduced dementia risk over 10 years.

The study looked at 10,318 adults in Australia who were 70 years old or older, who were generally healthy and without major cognitive impairment at enrollment.

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The participants who engaged in literacy activities and active mental activities had an 11% and 9% lower, respectively, risk of dementia.

To a lesser extent, participating in creative artistic activities, such as crafts, woodwork, and painting or drawing, and in passive mental activities such as reading, watching TV or listening to the radio was also associated with reduced dementia risk, the study found. Creative artistic and passive mental activities both conferred a 7% decrease, according to the study.

"These results suggest that engagement in adult literacy, creative art, and active and passive mental activities may help reduce dementia risk in late life," the study said.

The people in the study who developed dementia were older, more likely to be men and have lower levels of physical activity and to be in poorer health than individuals without dementia, the study said.

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In 2022, there were 55 million individuals worldwide living with dementia, with 10 million new cases emerging annually, the study said. There's no cure for dementia. As a result, "identifying new strategies to prevent or delay dementia onset among older individuals is a priority," the study said.

These findings can help inform strategies for dementia prevention later life in terms of modifying daily routines and activities, the study said.

-Jessica Hall

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08-03-23 1523ET

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