Research into impact of mental activity on memory loss

The study, entitled 'Cognitive Activities are Associated with Decreased Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment: The Mayo Clinic Population-Based Study of Ageing', highlighted a potential reduction in risk of memory loss associated with activities such as reading magazines, playing games, participating in computer activities and doing craft activities.

'One million people will develop dementia in the next 10 years so there is a desperate need to find ways to prevent dementia. Exercising and challenging your brain - by learning new skills, doing puzzles such as crosswords, and even learning a new language - can be fun. However, more research, where people are followed up over time, is needed to understand whether these sorts of activities can reduce the risk of dementia.

There is stronger evidence to show that eating a healthy diet, taking plenty of exercise and getting your blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly checked can lower your risk of dementia.'

Sarah Day
Head of Public Health
Alzheimer's Society

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• 1 in 3 people over 65 will die with dementia.
• 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051. 1 in 6 people over 80 have dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society campaigns for and champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions who care for them. Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• As a charity, Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to care for people today and to find a cure for tomorrow. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting www.alzheimers.org.uk.
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk