Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia, affects memory, thinking, and daily functioning, accounting for nearly 60–80% of all dementia cases, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. While the exact cause remains unknown, scientists believe the disease is linked to abnormal buildup of amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles in the brain.
A new study published in Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology, suggests that lifelong cognitive activities such as reading, writing, and learning new languages may significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and slow cognitive decline.
About the Study
Researchers followed nearly 2,000 older adults with an average age of 80 who did not have dementia at the start of the study. Participants completed surveys about their cognitive activities during childhood (before age 18), midlife (around age 40), and late life (around age 80). These included access to books and newspapers, writing habits, and foreign language learning.
The participants were tracked for an average of eight years to observe cognitive health outcomes.
Key Findings
The study found that individuals with the highest levels of lifelong learning and cognitive engagement developed Alzheimer’s disease five years later and mild cognitive impairment seven years later compared to those with the lowest levels of mental enrichment.
Participants with higher lifetime cognitive enrichment also had:
- 38% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease
- 36% lower risk of mild cognitive impairment
Expert Insights
Lead author Andrea Zammit, PhD, a neuropsychologist at the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, said cognitive decline is one of the most feared aspects of aging.
“Finding modifiable lifestyle factors that may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease dementia and slow cognitive decline is important because these behaviors can become habits or parts of everyday life,” Zammit told Medical News Today.
She emphasized that cognitive engagement throughout life—not just in old age—plays a crucial role in brain health.
“The cumulative effects of enrichment over decades may matter more for later-life clinical outcomes than short-term gains,” she added.
Why This Matters for India
India is witnessing a rapid rise in dementia cases, with nearly 9 million elderly people affected, and Alzheimer’s accounting for the majority of these cases. The findings offer hope that lifelong cognitive engagement—from childhood through adulthood—could delay the onset of Alzheimer’s and cognitive impairment by several years, potentially extending independent living among older adults.
Disclaimer
This information is for general awareness only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis.