People who keep their brain active by reading, playing games and doing crafts are more likely to avoid memory problems later in life, new research suggests.
Findings set to be presented at the American Academy of Neurologys annual meeting show that regularly exercising the brain may reduce the risk of developing memory problems by 30 to 50 percent.
In particular, taking part in social events and reading magazines correlated with 40 percent less likelihood of developing memory loss, compared to those who did not participate in those activities.
And watching TV for fewer than seven hours per day was shown to cut the participants risk of cognitive impairment in half.
“This study is exciting because it demonstrates that aging does not need to be a passive process,” commented study author Dr. Yonas Geda. He added that further research is necessary to confirm the results.
A number of older people have turned to nutritional supplements, such as those containing folic acid or omega-3 fish oil, as a way to help prevent memory loss.