Engaging in Stimulating Leisure Activities Tied to Improved Brain Health: Study

Canberra: Engaging in mentally stimulating leisure activities, such as reading, can significantly benefit brain health, according to a study conducted by the University of South Australia (UniSA).

The research evaluated the daily activity patterns of 397 adults aged 60 and above and found that not all sedentary behaviors impact cognitive function equally. Socially and mentally engaging activities like reading, playing musical instruments, crafting, or having conversations positively affect memory and thinking abilities. On the contrary, passive activities such as watching television or playing video games were associated with cognitive decline.

The researchers emphasized that these findings could play a crucial role in reducing the risks of cognitive impairments, including dementia. Maddison Mellow, a co-author of the study, explained that physical activity remains an essential protector against dementia. However, the study reveals the potential brain health benefits of swapping passive sedentary behaviors with more engaging alternatives.

“We already know that physical activity is a strong protector against dementia risk and should be prioritized for brain health. But until now, we hadn’t explored whether swapping one sedentary behavior for another could have similar benefits,” Mellow told IANS, as reported by Xinhua news agency. She suggested breaking up long periods of television watching or gaming with five-minute intervals of physical activity or cognitively stimulating seated tasks.

Dementia remains a significant global health challenge. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 55 million people worldwide are affected, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed each year. In Australia alone, approximately 411,100 people live with dementia, with two-thirds of them being women.

The research, involving experts from UniSA, the University of Leicester, and the University of Newcastle, also highlights the importance of tailoring strategies to reduce sedentary behaviors. While the "move more, sit less" approach is beneficial for overall health, the findings call for a more refined understanding of the relationship between different sedentary activities and cognitive function.

This nuanced perspective could help develop targeted interventions to improve brain health and reduce the burden of dementia.