Learn A New Skill To Lower Your Risk Of Dementia

Can learning a new skill in your 50s, 60s, or even later truly make a difference in your brain health? The answer is a resounding yes! Recent research is unveiling exciting evidence that engaging your brain through simple activities like taking adult education classes can significantly lower your risk of dementia. This discovery could reshape how we view aging, memory, and cognitive health. Read on to find out how staying mentally active might not only preserve your memory but potentially protect it from the ravages of dementia.

Key Takeaways

• Engaging in brain-stimulating activities, like adult education classes, can reduce the risk of developing dementia by up to 19%.
• Studies show that learning new skills in middle age and beyond helps preserve important cognitive functions, including non-verbal reasoning and fluid intelligence.
• Even minimal involvement in educational activities can have a significant impact on long-term brain health, showing that mental engagement is key to memory protection.

Can Learning a New Skill in Your 50s Save Your Memory?

You really can teach an old dog new tricks. That’s because the brain is pliable, enabling it to make new cells and connections whatever your age. The latest research shows that you can take advantage of that pliability to protect your memory for years to come.

A new study demonstrates a task as simple as learning new skills in middle age and beyond can markedly reduce the risk of dementia. Here’s what you need to know…

Researchers have long known that keeping mentally engaged sharpens and protects your memory. One of the best ways to engage your brain is to use brain games such as crosswords, brainteasers, sudoku puzzles, and certain computer games.

Studies show these can lower the rate of cognitive decline for those who are middle-aged or even in their senior years.

Reduces Your Risk of Dementia

A review of a dozen studies involving a whopping 13,939 participants concluded that late-life cognitive activity reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Earlier this year, we reported that seniors studying three new subjects for 15 hours a week in a university setting substantially boosted their cognition. This level of intensity, however, may go beyond what many would want to take on.

Researchers from Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan wondered whether a less intense version of this learning program could help. They believed the answer would be yes because of the findings from previous studies, especially one large women’s study where participation in adult education, and groups for art, craft, or music lowered their risk of dementia.

For their research, they used the large U.K. Biobank database, which contains in-depth genetic, health, and sociodemographic information. The Biobank had participants’ attendance at adult education classes recorded, however, the type of class, how often they attended, and for how long was not known.

Lowers Dementia Risk By 19 Percent

The researchers analyzed data from 282,421 participants between the ages of 40 and 69 and followed them for seven years. During this period, they had three assessments which included a battery of psychological and cognitive tests. Over the study period, 1.1 percent of subjects developed dementia.

After considering multiple factors that could influence the results, including cognitive function at baseline, ethnicity, and participants’ genetic predisposition to dementia, the Japanese neuroscientists made a remarkable discovery. When compared to participants who didn’t attend classes, those who did had a 19 percent lower risk of developing dementia within five years.

Maintains Non-Verbal Reasoning and Fluid Intelligence

The results also showed those who took part in adult education classes kept up their non-verbal reasoning and fluid intelligence. The latter refers to the ability to adapt and deal with new information.

Researchers weren’t surprised because fluid intelligence kicks in typically when you need to explore and solve problems in a new setting. However, reaction time and visuospatial memory were not impacted by the classes.

More research is needed, of course, especially since there was concern that these results could be due to reverse causation. This means that someone in the pre-symptomatic stages of cognitive decline would be less inclined to attend classes.

The scientists didn’t believe this was the case because those with dementia normally have other health issues. What’s more, even after the researchers accounted for participants with a history of diabetes, elevated blood fats, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and mental illness, the results were similar. In other words, participants who were developing dementia were not prevented from following adult education because of symptoms of these known co-morbidities. As a result, the researchers concluded that “non-participation in these classes should be considered a risk factor for dementia.”

Summary

Recent studies highlight the importance of staying mentally active as we age. Participating in adult education classes, even in later years, can reduce the risk of developing dementia by 19%. These findings emphasize that learning new skills isn't just good for personal growth—it’s also a powerful way to maintain brain health. Engaging in educational activities helps preserve vital cognitive functions like non-verbal reasoning and fluid intelligence, making it a simple yet effective method for protecting memory well into old age.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can learning new skills reduce my risk of dementia?

Engaging in activities like adult education classes helps keep your brain active, which has been shown to lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Do I need to take intense classes to benefit my brain health?

No, even less intense forms of learning, such as attending regular adult education classes, can significantly lower your dementia risk by 19%.

What kind of cognitive functions are preserved by adult education?

Adult education helps maintain non-verbal reasoning and fluid intelligence, which are important for problem-solving and adapting to new information.

How long does it take for the benefits to show up?

The study showed that participating in educational activities over five years can reduce dementia risk significantly.

Is it too late to start learning if I’m in my 50s or 60s?

No, it’s never too late! Starting to learn new skills in middle age and beyond can still provide protective benefits for your memory and cognitive health.