People who take part in leisure activities in their 40s and 50s are less likely to develop dementia, study says
Researchers found that those with lots of hobbies in their middle ages did better on memory and thinking tests in their 80s
PEOPLE who have lots of hobbies in middle age are less likely to suffer dementia-like symptoms as they get older, a study found.
Those engaged in leisure activities in their 40s and 50s scored better on memory and thinking tests as they approached 80.
Trips to the theatre or galleries and reading and writing were particularly beneficial.
People who were more physically active between the ages of 60 and 75 were also more likely to remain mentally sharp.
Researchers from the universities of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt tested more than 500 people aged 79 for memory, problem solving and general thinking ability.
The participants then repeated the same thinking tests every three or four years until aged 90.
Each provided details of their activities at aged 20 to 35, 40 to 55 and 60 to 75 years.
Researchers used statistical models to analyse how a person’s level of leisure and physical activity in these different periods of the life was related to their thinking skills.
The team took into account the results of intelligence tests taken by participants when they were 11 years old.
They also factored in current lifestyle factors, such as education and socio-economic status, for the study published in the Journals of Gerontology.
Those who took part in leisure activities in middle age were found to have a higher level of thinking skills in old age.
And people who were more physically active between 60 and 75 years old were found to have experienced less decline in thinking skills in older years.
Analysis revealed the level of leisure activities during midlife explained about 6 per cent of people’s differences in performance on the thinking and memory tests at 79.
Physical activity appeared to account for about 12 per cent of people’s differences in the change in thinking skills in older age.
Researchers say the findings can help them understand what kinds of lifestyle and behavioural factors might be associated with better outcomes for mental health in later life.
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The study may also help people make decisions about how best to protect their thinking skills as they age.
Study leader Professor Ian Deary, from the University of Edinburgh, said: “There are good health and social reasons for being physically and culturally active in older age.
“If they are associated with better thinking skills too, that’s a bonus.
“Our team continues to look out for more factors that might boost healthy ageing, both cognitive and physical."
Dr Alan Gow, from Heriot-Watt University, said: “These latest findings add to the growing evidence that being more engaged in leisure activities throughout middle age might be associated with better thinking skills in later life.
“For those in their 70s or beyond, another positive message seems to be that keeping physically active may be an important behaviour in terms of reducing cognitive decline.”
Dr Doug Brown, director of research and development at Alzheimer's Society, said: "Many of us feel that our minds are a little bit sharper after visiting an art gallery or reading a good book.
"This research suggests that this could extend to preventing memory and thinking difficulties later in life.
"We don't know yet whether these activities can help to reduce risk of dementia and it would be good to see more research into this area.
"We do know that what's good for the head and evidence shows that the best things you can do to keep your brain healthy are to take plenty of physical exercise and eat a healthy, balanced diet.
"Recent findings also indicate that keeping mentally and socially active may play a role."