Reading and writing can lower dementia risk by almost 40%, study finds

"US researchers found that engaging in intellectually stimulating activities throughout life, such as reading, writing or learning a new language, was associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, and slower cognitive decline. The study author Andrea Zammit, of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, said the discovery suggested cognitive health in later life was strongly influenced by lifelong exposure to intellectually stimulating environments."

"Researchers tracked 1,939 people with an average age of 80 who did not have dementia at the start of the study. They were followed for an average of eight years. Participants completed surveys about cognitive activities and learning resources during three stages. Early enrichment, before 18, included the frequency of being read to and reading books, access to newspapers and atlases in the home, and learning a foreign language for more than five years."

Engaging in intellectually stimulating activities throughout life is associated with lower Alzheimer's incidence and slower cognitive decline. Consistent reading, writing, and learning new languages correlate with nearly 40% reduced dementia risk. Tracking 1,939 people with average age 80 who were dementia-free at baseline for an average of eight years involved surveys about cognitive activities and learning resources across early, middle and later life. Early enrichment included being read to, access to books and newspapers, and learning a foreign language for more than five years. Middle-age household resources and activities were also assessed. Expanding access to enriching environments like libraries and early education may help reduce dementia incidence.

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