A new meta-analysis published in the journal Neurology today found that activities like reading a book, doing yoga, and spending time with family and friends may help lower the risk of dementia.

In a meta-analysis, researchers looked at all available papers to see how cognitive, physical, and social activities affect dementia risk.

According to study author Lin Lu, PhD, of Peking University Sixth Hospital in Beijing, China, “previous studies have shown that leisure activities were associated with various health benefits, such as a lower cancer risk, a reduction in atrial fibrillation, and a person’s perception of their own well-being.” 

However, there is inconsistent evidence regarding the contribution of leisure time activities to dementia prevention. Making crafts, practicing sports, or volunteering can lower the risk of developing dementia, according to the findings of the study.

More than 2 million healthy persons without dementia were included in 38 research from around the world in the meta-analysis. For at least three years, the subjects were monitored.

Through surveys or interviews, participants revealed details of their recreation activities. Mental, physical, and social leisure activities were described as those that people engaged in for their own enjoyment or well-being.

During the course of the research, 74,700 participants were diagnosed with dementia.

After controlling for age, gender, and education, researchers discovered that leisure activities, in general, were associated with a lower incidence of dementia. Those who participated in leisure activities had a 17% lower chance of getting dementia compared to those who did not.

The mental activity consisted primarily of intellectual pursuits, such as reading or writing for enjoyment, watching television, listening to the radio, playing games or musical instruments, using a computer, and creating works of art. According to research, those who engaged in these activities had a 23% lower risk of developing dementia.

Walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, using workout equipment, playing sports, yoga, and dancing were all examples of physical activity. According to research, those who engaged in these activities had a 17% lower risk of developing dementia.

The term “social activities” mostly referred to pursuits involving interaction with people, such as taking classes, joining a club, volunteering, spending time with family or friends, or participating in religious activities. According to research, those who engaged in these activities had a 7% lower risk of developing dementia.

“This meta-analysis,” according to the author of the study, “suggests that being active has benefits, and there are plenty of activities that are easy to incorporate into daily life that may be beneficial to the brain.

“Our research found that leisure activities may reduce the risk of dementia. Future studies should include larger sample sizes and longer follow-up time to reveal more links between leisure activities and dementia.”

The fact that individuals reported their own physical and mental activity was a limitation of the study, since they may not have remembered and reported the activities accurately.

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