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The surprising hobby that scientists say could ward off dementia
It is a hobby usually associated with teenage girls, glittering pens and heartbreak.
But keeping a diary — or a diary — may also help older people ward off dementia, research suggests.
Researchers analyzed data from 10,000 people aged over 70 in Australia who were followed for about 10 years.
They found that those who participated in more literacy activities — such as journaling, writing letters or using a computer — were 11 percent less likely to develop dementia.
Engaging in literary activities — such as keeping a journal or writing letters — may lower dementia risk, study suggests (file photo)
Meanwhile, active mental activities such as playing games, playing cards or chess, and doing crossword or jigsaw puzzles were linked to a 9 percent lower risk.
The researchers also found that artistic activities such as woodworking, metalworking, painting or drawing, and passive mental activities such as reading newspapers or listening to music led to a 7 percent lower risk of developing the disease.
On the other hand, they found that social outings and interactions seemed to have no effect.
In the journal Jama Network Open, the team from Melbourne’s Monash University write: ‘These results suggest that engagement in adult literacy, creative arts and active and passive mental activities may help reduce the risk of dementia later in life.
“For older adults, lifestyle enrichment can be particularly important because it can help prevent dementia through adjustments in daily routines.
“An enriched lifestyle with diverse leisure activities can reflect an optimistic personality and provide cognitive benefits by stimulating the growth of neurons and synapses and promoting well-being.”
The team added that their findings could help guide geriatric care policies and interventions aimed at preventing dementia in older adults.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 50 million people worldwide suffer from dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases occurring each year.
A 2021 study estimated that global dementia cases will nearly triple to more than 152 million by 2050, due to an aging population.
The highest increases in dementia prevalence are expected to occur in eastern sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa and the Middle East, the University of Washington experts said.