Recent studies revealed that leisure activities like reading, yoga, and socializing can help reduce the risk of dementia.
Dementia is a condition that affects your memory, thinking, and social abilities. The very first signs of dementia are memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and confusion. The risk of dementia increases with age, but aging is not a factor that causes dementia.
Though there is no sure shot way to prevent dementia, researchers have found that certain leisure activities can reduce the risk of dementia. Several studies have explored the effects of cognitive activities, physical activities, and social activities and the risk of dementia. The results suggest that reading, writing, exercising, and spending time socializing with people can help curb the risk of dementia by 17%.
Mental activities and dementia
Dementia mainly affects the memory and thinking capacity of an individual. Thus, making your brain exercise can help in preventing the onset of dementia. Studies found that intellectual activities like reading, writing, listening to music, and playing games like chess, and puzzles can help reduce the risk of dementia by 23%.
Learning a new language is also an excellent brain exercise. It stimulates multiple parts of the brain and encourages the development of new pathways and connections. It improves your cognitive function and memory abilities.
Physical activities and dementia
Physical activities can help relieve stress, which is a big cause of degenerative disorders. Activities like walking, running, swimming, cycling, yoga, dancing, gymming, or playing can help in relieving stress. A study found that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of dementia by 17%.
Something as simple as brisk walking, gardening, or cleaning the house can also reduce the risk of dementia. These activities are excellent mood boosters that promote the release of endorphins. Good hormones help reduce the risk of these disorders.
Social activities and dementia
Scores of the research cited the health benefits of social activities. Studies found that people who have an active social life tend to have a longer life span. They have a reduced risk of heart disease, depression, and dementia. A study found that people who are a part of a community or social club have a lower risk of dementia. Also, people who volunteer or have close ties with their friends and family had a 7% lower risk of dementia.
Also, people who have a purpose, are always positive, and follow a daily routine have a reduced risk of dementia and other such disorders. Another study found that people who performed these leisure activities at least once or twice a week has less cognitive decline.
Your Takeaway
Dementia is an age-related disorder and poses a risk to all of us. But with the right lifestyle and precautions, you can prevent the onset of dementia. Eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising, and staying cognitively active can help in reducing the risk. In addition to this, avoiding smoking and drinking can significantly reduce the risk of dementia.
