A study, published in the April 8 online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, suggests that arts and craft or computer games are useful to people that are "middle age" or older. People age 85 and older are the fastest growing age group in the world, according to the American Academy of Neurology.
"As millions of older US adults are reaching the age where they may experience these memory and thinking problem called Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), it is important we look to find lifestyle changes that may stave off the condition," said study author Rosebud Roberts, of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. and member of the American Academy of Neurology, according to the academy. "Our study supports the idea that engaging the mind may protect neurons, or the building blocks of the brain, from dying, stimulate growth of new neurons, or may help recruit new neurons to maintain cognitive activities in old age."
For the study, 256 people with an average age of 87 participated. The study subjects were free of memory problems at the start of the study. Participants recorded their activities in activities like painting, drawing, sculpting, woodworking, pottery, ceramics, quilting and sewing, as well as in social activities like hanging out with friends, going to a book club, playing or shopping on the internet, travelling, and going to the theater, movies or concerts.
After four years in the study, 121 participants developed mild cognitive impairment. Those that participated in arts, like painting, drawing and sculpting, were 73 percent less likely to develop MCI than those who did not. Those who did crafts in middle and old age, like woodworking, pottery and sewing, were 45 percent less likely to develop MCI. People who socialized were 55 percent less likely to develop MCI. Computer use in midlife and beyond was associated with a 53 percent reduction in risk for MCI.
Risk factors like having the APOE gene, high blood pressure and depression increase the risk of developing MCI.
Study authors concluded: "Chronic disease burden increases risk of MCI, whereas certain lifestyle factors reduce risk in persons 85 years and older. This implies that preventive strategies for MCI may need to begin in midlife and should persist throughout late life."
