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Alzheimer’s comment on research that cognitive activities delay onset of memory decline in persons who develop dementia

Published 4 August 2009

This American research is part of a long term study following a group of older people in New York.

It suggests that people who will develop dementia may be able to delay memory loss by daily activities that stimulate the brain such as reading, writing and card games. Many previous studies have reported that higher education early in life is associated with delay in memory loss in people who are developing dementia.

Alzheimer's Society comment:


'Interestingly this research has found that memory loss in people who are in the very early stages of the condition may be delayed by ordinary activities that engage the brain whether they were well educated in early life or not. 

This research suggests that exercising your brain as well as your body may play a role in the fight against dementia. With one million people set to develop dementia in the next ten years, we must invest more in research to defeat this devastating condition.'

Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society