Keeping Mentally Active Reduces Alzheimer’s Risk, Research Indicates
Researchers say risk of Alzheimer’s disease may be reduced by staying both mentally and physically active.Â
According to a 2001Â study, the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s in people – between the ages of 20 and 60 – who were less active during their leisure time were nearly quadrupled when compared to their peers. These findings seemed to be evident regardless of what type of activity the people participated in but intellectual pursuits did appear to be the most beneficial.
Whether an inactive lifestyle itself increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease or simply reflects the disease in its early stages still remains a mystery. The study’s lead author however, recommends exercising the brain throughout life.
The link between work, education and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease has been investigated in many studies and in most cases, it seems that the risk of developing the disease is less likely in people who are better educated and more accomplished on the job. Little research on the impact that leisure activities have on the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease has been done however.
The researchers then focused on three different types of leisure activities:Â
Physical activities – such as which included sports, biking, gardening, walking, working out in a gym and jogging.
Intellectual activities – such as reading, doing puzzles, playing an instrument, painting, playing cards or board games, and performing home repairs.
Passive activities – such as watching television, listening to music, talking on the phone, attending social clubs, visiting with friends and attending religious services.
Even with factors that could have had a negative impact on the risk of Alzheimer’s – including age, sex and education- were taken into account, people who participated in fewer activities than the average were 3.85 times more likely to develop the mind-robbing Alzheimer’s.
Frank Mangano’s commentary:
As I always say, achieving optimal health is a mind-body body experience. Enhancing one without the other is truly a waste of time. And as this study points out, lack of brain enhancing activity does raise risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Always be sure to find time everyday to stimulate your mind like writing, reading a book or playing a musical instrument. Learning new things are essential for staying sharp and preventing mental disorders.
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Posted: June 1st, 2007 under Alzheimer's Disease.
