In a new study, researchers link cognitive activation using brain games with the prevention of Alzheimer's disease. The results suggest that participating in activities such as reading, writing and gaming could make the brain more resilient to the disease. The study authors claim that older people who engage in such activitiesDevelopment of Alzheimer's or dementiacould be delayed by 5 years.
How cognitive activation affects brain function
Scientists have already found links between higher cognitive activity and a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease. However, how strong this connection is and the reasons for it have so far remained unclear. The new study suggests that a cognitively active lifestyle could ward off the neurological symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders by several years. This can greatly reduce the amount of time people spend in a cognitively impaired state. The researchers looked for cognitively stimulating everyday activities such as reading newspapers or books and going to the library. It was cognitive activation in old age that was found to be most protective. None of the participants had dementia at the start of the study. The team also collected information on socialization and participation in social activities, including visiting friends or relatives. At the end of the study, 457 of approximately 2,000 participants developed Alzheimer's disease. However, they tended to be older at the start of their studies and have slightly fewer years of education.
The researchers conducted further analysis and found that education level, gender, early life cognitive activity, genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's, social activity and loneliness had little to no effect on the frequency of the disease. This suggests that brain function in old age is the most important factor in the development of the disease. So, cognitively stimulating activities led to changes in brain structure and function, which accordingly increased cognitive reserve. Repeated engagement in these activities can improve certain neural systems. So relatively more damage will be required before these systems stop functioning properly. Given the results, the authors camethis studyconcluded that a cognitively active lifestyle in old age can delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease by 5 years. The main aim is to be able to prevent dementia through health care for brain function. These findings could enable new therapeutic approaches.
