Engaging in Mentally Challenging Leisure Activities Linked to Enhanced Brain Health: Research Findings
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Canberra, Dec 16 (NationPress) Participating in mentally engaging activities during leisure time, such as reading, can positively influence brain health, as revealed by an Australian study.
Researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA) conducted a new study and discovered that certain sedentary activities are more advantageous for cognitive function than others.
The team evaluated the 24-hour activity patterns of 397 adults aged 60 and above, finding that activities which are socially or cognitively stimulating, such as reading, playing musical instruments, crafting, or engaging in conversations, are beneficial for memory and thinking skills.
In contrast, it was found that watching television or playing video games can have a negative impact.
The researchers indicated that these findings could assist in lowering the risks of cognitive decline, including conditions like dementia.
"We already understand that physical activity serves as a significant safeguard against dementia risk, and this should definitely be prioritized if one aims to enhance brain health. However, until now, we had not specifically investigated whether we could improve our brain health by replacing one sedentary activity with another," remarked Maddison Mellow, a co-author of the study from UniSA, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
She suggested integrating five-minute intervals of physical activity or more cognitively engaging seated activities to break the time spent watching TV or gaming.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 55 million individuals globally are living with dementia, with around 10 million new cases diagnosed every year.
In Australia, approximately 411,100 individuals (or one in every 1000 people) are affected by dementia, with nearly two-thirds being women. Globally, the WHO estimates that more than 55 million people have dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases each year.
Furthermore, while the 'move more, sit less' principle certainly applies to both cardiometabolic and brain health, the research conducted by a team of UniSA researchers—comprising Mellow, Prof Dot Dumuid, Dr Alexandra Wade, Prof Tim Olds, Dr Ty Stanford, Prof Hannah Keage, and Associate Prof Ashleigh Smith—alongside researchers from the University of Leicester and the University of Newcastle, demonstrates that a more detailed approach is essential when considering the relationship between sedentary behaviors and cognitive function.
