In 2017, there were reportedly more than 50 million people struggle with dementia worldwide. A shocking number, and one said to double every twenty years. Any doctor will recommend that you
keep on top of your physical health — eat right, exercise, get enough
sleep. But how often do we take stock of our mental health?
A new study, published by the Journal of the American Medical Association,
is the latest in a number of studies exploring how “intellectual
activities”—such as, ahem, reading books, newspapers, and magazines—can
decrease a person’s chances of developing dementia. Using a sample size
of 15,582 Hong Kongers sixty-five and older, the researchers tracked
daily activities for five years to investigate whether regular
activation of the intellect can reduce risk independent of other
lifestyle practices.
By the conclusion of the study, 1,349—nearly nine percent—of the
subjects had developed dementia, but the researchers discovered that
readers’ risk was significantly lower than non-readers. This jibes with
past research, which also finds a correlation between intellectual
activity and brain health.
The conclusion is straightforward: “Active participation in
intellectual activities, even in late life, might help delay or prevent
dementia in older adults.”
It’s sound advice and another reason why we should all take a moment
(or three) away from the busy work day to read a chapter, an essay, or
short story.
Get lost in the words; you just might save your sanity.
via https://www.mhpbooks.com/read-a-book-it-could-save-your-sanity/
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