Study suggests regular brain stimulating activity could reduce risk of dementia
Published 23 January 2012
A report suggests people who keep their brains active throughout life with cognitively stimulating activities such as reading, writing and playing games appear to have reduced levels of beta-amyloid.
The presence of this protein is a major hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
The study, published in Archives of Neurology and carried out by the University of California, included a volunteer sample of 65 healthy older people, as well as 10 patients with Alzheimer's disease and 11 younger people in the control group.
Alzheimer's Society comment:
'This is an interesting initial finding that echoes the results from previous studies. However, the research involved only a very small number of people and we do not know if they went on to develop dementia. It is too early to say whether keeping your brain active can reduce your risk of developing dementia, or how this might work. However, we would encourage anyone who enjoys cognitively stimulating activities such as reading, writing and playing games to keep it up.'
'The best way to reduce your risk of dementia is to exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, don't smoke and get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked by your GP.'
Dr Anne Corbett
Research Manager
Alzheimer's Society
Research Reference:
Susan M. Landau, University of California - Association of Lifetime Cognitive Engagement and Low &-Amyloid Deposition
Published Online First by Archives of Neurology on Monday 23 January, 2012
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Notes to editors:
- One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
- Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
- Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them
- Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
- Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
- Alzheimer's Society and Tesco have mapped the number of people with dementia in each part of the UK and the percentage who receive a diagnosis. To view the 'Mapping the Dementia Gap' study visit alzheimers-tesco.org.uk
