Leisure activities and the risk of dementia in the elderly

This research suggests that there is an association between higher levels of leisure activities and a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Susanne Sorensen, head of research at the Alzheimer's Society said:

'The results indicate that physical activities alone are not associated with a diminished risk of dementia and that the more mentally demanding the leisure activities are, the higher the association with diminished risk of developing dementia.

'Maintaining physical activity has been linked to better general health as people get older, preventing cardiovascular disease and falls and this research should not be taken as an recommendation to concentrate on cerebral exercise only.

'This research strengths the 'use it or lose it' school of thought which states that complex and precise brain activity can build up a brain reserve that may protect people from Alzheimer's disease in later life.

'However, static mental exercise alone is not enough - the well being and improved general health that comes from many physical activities bring added benefits in preventing cardiovascular disease and falls.'

See the New England Journal of Medicine website for more information.