While there is no cure for dementia, certain physical, cerebral and artistic activities can reduce the risk of cognitive decline. We take stock!
As the France Alzheimer association reminds us, a disease which accounts for 60 to 80% of cases of dementia or cognitive decline, « dementia is not a specific disease. It is an umbrella term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other cognitive skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform daily activities. »
While there is currently no effective treatment to prevent these diseases, it has been scientifically proven that certain activities can significantly reduce the risk of dementia.
Volunteering
Maintaining social relationships, whether with loved ones, neighbors or complete strangers, stimulates memory and reduces the risk of cognitive impairment.
This is the finding of a study published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia. « We found that frequent interactions – monthly or weekly – with family and friends and having someone to talk to reduced the risk of dementia. We also found that living with others and participating in community activities reduced the risk of death, » notes Dr. Suraj Samtani.
Among these activities, the clinical psychologist cites volunteering. Taking care of yourself by taking care of others is a great way to build social ties!
Knitting
A meta-analysis of 38 studies worldwide identified the benefits of arts, crafts and leisure activities in preventing dementia.
These include knitting, painting, playing a musical instrument and more passive activities such as reading, watching TV or listening to the radio.
According to the research, people who take part in this type of leisure activity have a 7% lower risk of dementia than others.
Sports
The results published in the same study also underline the importance of physical activity. Jogging, swimming, dancing, but also more meditative practices such as yoga or walking. These can reduce the risk of dementia by 17%.
An active lifestyle also promotes better mental health, as confirmed by a study published in JAMA Network Open involving 4,000 participants over the age of 50. According to the results, 20 minutes of daily walking is enough to reduce depressive symptoms.
Crosswords and chess
Unsurprisingly, devotees of mental acuity activities such as chess, crosswords, sudoku or board games are less likely to suffer from cerebral degeneration.
Risks reduced by 9 to 11% compared to those who do not engage in this type of activity. » The more the brain is solicited, the more synapses form and link nerve cells together », explains the European League against Alzheimer’s Disease.
Sleep
Quality sleep helps prevent the disease. » People who have recurrent difficulty falling asleep will, for example, have more amyloid plaques, one of the characteristic lesions of Alzheimer’s disease, in certain areas of the brain ».
Do you suffer from sleep disorders? Set yourself a routine in the evening, giving priority to meditation, avoiding heavy dinners and switching off screens before bedtime.