Study says craft and yoga reduce dementia risk

A meta-analysis conducted by researchers at Peking University Sixth Hospital in China investigated the role of leisure activities. – like reading a book, doing yoga, or spending time with family and friends – in preventing the development of types of dementia.

Published in Wednesday (10) neurologyThe research reviewed the effects of cognitive, physical and social activities on the incidence of dementia of all types, including dementia. Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.

Leisure activities have long been associated with a variety of health benefits, including reduced cancer risk, reduced atrial fibrillation, and a sense of well-being, according to Lin Lu, the study’s lead author. “However, there is conflicting evidence for this. The role of leisure activities in the prevention of dementia“, he stated.

How was research on leisure activities and dementia done?

The meta-analysis reviewed 38 studies involving more than 2 million people worldwide who have not had dementia for at least three years. Participants answered questions about leisure habits, defined as providing pleasure or well-being. These activities are divided into two as mental, physical and social..

Mental activities such as reading or writing for pleasure, watching television, listening to the radio, playing games, playing musical instruments, using computers, and doing crafts reduced the risk of dementia by 23%. Physical activities such as walking, running, swimming, cycling, weight training, sports, yoga and dance, reduced the disease by 17%.

As for people participating in social activities, researchers say, dementia risk reduced by 7%.

ARTICLE – Neurology – DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000200929.