Apr 21, 2026 09:33 PM
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1125142
INTRO: Playing the piano, foreign travel and socialising with friends are among the most powerful ways to reduce the risk of developing dementia, according to new research from Trinity College Dublin.
The study has found that engaging in physically, socially, and intellectually stimulating activities in middle age is one of the most powerful ways to boost cognition — even for people with increased genetic or familial risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The findings published April 21 in the Journal of Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment and Disease Monitoring, show that cognitive health can be strengthened in midlife with lifestyle interventions that are both accessible and cost-effective.
Professor Lorina Naci from Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience and the Global Brain Health Institute, explained: “We have known for some time that lifestyle activities, such as exercise, can stave off cognitive decline in older adults. We were surprised to see that stimulating everyday activities significantly boost cognition in mid-life, decades before age-related cognitive decline sets in.
“Crucially, we saw that bigger benefits came from a mix of different activities, rather than one single one. Our results suggest that variety is key and that a combination of physical, social, and mental stimulation is most effective for boosting brain health.” (MORE - details)
INTRO: Playing the piano, foreign travel and socialising with friends are among the most powerful ways to reduce the risk of developing dementia, according to new research from Trinity College Dublin.
The study has found that engaging in physically, socially, and intellectually stimulating activities in middle age is one of the most powerful ways to boost cognition — even for people with increased genetic or familial risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The findings published April 21 in the Journal of Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment and Disease Monitoring, show that cognitive health can be strengthened in midlife with lifestyle interventions that are both accessible and cost-effective.
Professor Lorina Naci from Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience and the Global Brain Health Institute, explained: “We have known for some time that lifestyle activities, such as exercise, can stave off cognitive decline in older adults. We were surprised to see that stimulating everyday activities significantly boost cognition in mid-life, decades before age-related cognitive decline sets in.
“Crucially, we saw that bigger benefits came from a mix of different activities, rather than one single one. Our results suggest that variety is key and that a combination of physical, social, and mental stimulation is most effective for boosting brain health.” (MORE - details)