New York: Older adults who participate in social and mentally stimulating activities like reading and using computer may lower the risk of developing memory and thinking problems, finds a study.
Researchers found that people who use computer once per week or more were 42 per cent less likely to develop memory and thinking problems than those who did not.
"The results show the importance of keeping the mind active as we age," said study author Janina Krell-Roesch from the American Academy of Neurology in the US.
"While this study only shows association, not cause and effect, as people age, they may want to consider participating in activities like these because they may keep a mind healthier, longer," Krell-Roesch added.
<div id='ndtvrelcontent'></The research would be presented in April at the American Academy of Neurology's 68th Annual Meeting in Vancouver, Canada.
The team followed 1,929 people aged 70 and older, who were part of the larger Mayo Clinic Study of Aging in Rochester, US.
The participants had normal memory and thinking abilities at recruitment of the study.
They were then followed for an average of four years until they developed mild cognitive impairment or remained impairment-free.
The participants were asked using a questionnaire about their engagement in mentally stimulating activities such as computer use, reading, crafting and social activities.
The results show that people who engage in social activities were 23 per cent less likely to develop memory problems than those who did not engage in social activities.
People who reported reading magazines were 30 per cent less likely to develop memory problems.
Those who engaged in craft activities such as knitting were 16 per cent less likely to develop memory problems.
Similarly, those who played games were 14 per cent less likely to develop memory problems.
Participants who engaged in mental activities at least once a week had lower risk for new onset of mild cognitive impairment as compared to those participants who did not engage in these activities, the researchers concluded.
Researchers found that people who use computer once per week or more were 42 per cent less likely to develop memory and thinking problems than those who did not.
"The results show the importance of keeping the mind active as we age," said study author Janina Krell-Roesch from the American Academy of Neurology in the US.
<div id='ndtvrelcontent'></The research would be presented in April at the American Academy of Neurology's 68th Annual Meeting in Vancouver, Canada.
Advertisement
The participants had normal memory and thinking abilities at recruitment of the study.
Advertisement
The participants were asked using a questionnaire about their engagement in mentally stimulating activities such as computer use, reading, crafting and social activities.
Advertisement
People who reported reading magazines were 30 per cent less likely to develop memory problems.
Advertisement
Similarly, those who played games were 14 per cent less likely to develop memory problems.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Did You Know Crossword Puzzles Can Help You Stay Younger? Kolkata Rape-Murder: Fractures, 150 mg Semen, Other Claims Denied By Cops Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah To Be Prosecuted In Land Scam Case Kolkata Rape-Murder: 5 Demands Of Doctors On 24-Hour Nationwide Strike How Rupert Murdoch Helped Create A Monster - The Era Of Trumpism Girl, 14, Raped By School Teacher In UP, Dies After Months Of Treatment Keerthy Redefines Retro Style With An Ethnic Spin In A White Floral Saree Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.