Writing, puzzles, chess and cards are among activities that may help reduce the risks of dementia in older age, according to a new Australian study.
Findings from a Monash University research found that older people who often participate in active literacy activities like taking education classes, writing letters or journals and in active mental activities like playing games and cards lower their dementia risk by nine to 11 percent over 10 years than their peers.
Creative pursuits and passive mental activities such as crafting, knitting or painting were associated with a seven percent decrease in risk.
Dementia describes a collection of symptoms caused by disorders affecting a person’s ability to memorise, reason, make judgement and thinking. In 2022, it was estimated that around 55 million people around the world were living with dementia, including 401,300 Australians. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimated that for Australians aged 65 and over, 84 people per 1,000 were living with dementia….