Exercising brain delays rapid memory loss in developed dementia

Researchers found that people with dementia who read, play card games, and engage in other brain activities can delay the onset of rapid memory decline associated with the cognitive impairment.

The team, led by Charles B. Hall, PhD, of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, followed 488 men and women, 75 to 85 years of age, for a period of five years or more. All individuals were initially dementia-free. In the study, people were first asked how often they participated in six “leisure activities” that stimulate the brain: reading, writing, doing crossword puzzles, playing board or card games, having group discussions, and playing music. On average, those who took part in one of the six activities each day developed dementia; however, “for every additional activity a person [with dementia] participated in, the onset of rapid memory loss was delayed by 0.18 years.” "The point of accelerated decline was delayed by 1.29 years for the person who participated in 11 activities per week compared to the person who participated in only four activities per week," reported Dr. Hall. Additionally, “the effect of these activities in late life appears to be independent of education." The study is published in the current issue of Neurology.