How Hobbies Slow Memory Decline, Even In Those With Cognitive Issues

Whether you choose board games, puzzles, reading, or other hobbies, challenging your gray matter with such pursuits will help keep your brain in good order.

But what if you already have some cognitive problems? Has the horse already left the barn, or will regular brain-stimulating activities hold back further decline and maybe even restore some of your memory?

The results of a recent study on cognitively stimulating leisure activities are exciting, to say the least…

Key Takeaways

• Activities like crosswords, card games, and reading can slow memory decline and improve cognitive function in older adults, even for those with MCI.
• The more frequently individuals engage in mentally stimulating hobbies, the greater their cognitive resilience over time.
• Researchers suggest that doctors encourage individuals with MCI to engage in brain-stimulating activities three to four times per week to help maintain brain health.

What Are Cognitively Stimulating Leisure Activities?

You’ve heard the words “brain games” plenty of times before today. But did you know that brain health researchers put them into their own category? It’s called cognitively stimulating leisure activities (CSLAs).

CSLAs include crosswords, number puzzles, and brain training games often used by seniors to keep them mentally sharp. While some studies question whether these puzzles and games are effective, most science shows they work.

For example, CSLAs improve verbal fluency, executive function, processing speed, attention, memory and reasoning. One study of over 16,000 seniors over two years found that the more they engaged in crossword puzzles and Sudoku, the better their cognitive function.

Harvard Researchers: Use It Or Lose It

A Harvard study published last year included 19,821 middle-aged and older adults from 15 countries. The researchers found cognitive decline was reduced by either reading almost daily, or occasionally solving number and word puzzles. Those who played cards or other games with others lowered their risk of Alzheimer’s disease significantly.

These studies reinforce the idea that we must use it or lose it.

However, studies are mostly conducted on people who are cognitively healthy, even though around 24 million people in the US have mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Although this condition can remain stable and even reverse itself, ten percent of people with MCI will go on to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.

This begs the question: If CSLAs help the cognitively healthy, can they also help those already diagnosed with MCI and suffering from weak cognitive function?

Researchers tackled this question, and the news is very good…

Even With MCI The Brain Benefits

Researchers from Indiana University, The University of Southern Mississippi, and Texas A&M analyzed data on 5,932 people from 2012 to 2020. These folks were part of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a leading source of information on the health of Americans aged over fifty that began in 1992.

The HRS collects data via written surveys and in-depth phone interviews. As part of the study, participants are asked questions about their engagement in cognitively stimulating activities such as reading newspapers, magazines, and books, playing cards or games, solving puzzles, and other hobbies.

For the new study, the research team divided the answers to these questions into the participants’ levels of involvement—low, medium, and high—based on standards used in previous studies.

The findings showed that those in the high involvement category had better overall memory, working memory, attention, and processing speed than those in the mid- and low-level groups.

In other words, the best hobby for your brain if you have MCI is anything that’s cognitively stimulating, such as crosswords, card games, or reading.

CSLAs: The More The Better

“In short,” says Dr. Junhyoung Kim, an associate professor of health behavior at Texas A&M, “the high-level participation group consistently exhibited higher cognitive function levels during the study period.”

In addition, those in the mid-level category had higher levels of working memory, attention, and processing speed than those in the low-level participation group.

The study results show that while overall cognitive function did decline with time as expected, older adults who frequently engage in mentally stimulating activities can better preserve their brain health even if they have MCI.

Dr. Kim hopes their findings will encourage healthcare providers to recommend that older people with MCI participate in such activities, preferably three to four times a week.

Summary

Engaging in cognitively stimulating leisure activities (CSLAs) such as puzzles, reading, and games can help slow memory decline and improve cognitive functions like attention and processing speed, even for those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Recent studies show that the more frequently individuals engage in these activities, the better they maintain cognitive health over time. This research supports the “use it or lose it” approach, suggesting that regular mental stimulation is beneficial for brain health, regardless of current cognitive status.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can hobbies really slow cognitive decline? Yes, engaging in cognitively stimulating leisure activities has slowed cognitive decline and improved functions like memory and attention, even in those with MCI.
• Which activities are considered cognitively stimulating? Activities such as reading, solving puzzles, playing card games, and engaging in other mentally challenging hobbies are all considered cognitively stimulating.
• Is it too late to benefit if I already have cognitive issues? No, even individuals with mild cognitive impairment can benefit from regularly engaging in mentally stimulating activities, which can help slow further decline.
• How often should I engage in these activities for the best results? Researchers recommend participating in brain-stimulating activities three to four times weekly to support cognitive health.
• Are there other lifestyle factors that can help with memory? Yes, a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and social engagement are also important for maintaining cognitive health.