Summary: A large Australian study suggests that actively challenging the mind through literacy and problem-solving tasks is linked to a larger reduction in dementia risk for older adults than socializing or pursuing passive creative hobbies.
Researchers analyzed data from 10,318 Australians aged 70 and older and found that regular engagement in activities that demand mental effort — such as using computers, attending adult education classes, keeping journals, and doing crosswords or puzzles — was associated with a 9–11% lower risk of developing dementia. Creative hobbies and more passive pursuits like reading were associated with a smaller reduction in risk, around 7%. The findings emphasize the potential value of purposeful, mentally demanding activities for maintaining cognitive health in later life.
Key facts
- Data were drawn from more than 10,000 community-dwelling Australians aged 70 and above.
- Regular participation in adult literacy and active mental tasks was linked to a 9–11% lower dementia risk.
- Creative and passive activities produced smaller benefits, and measures of social engagement and outings were not linked to dementia risk in this cohort.
Source: Monash University
Computer use, crosswords and strategic games such as chess were more strongly associated with reduced dementia risk than activities like knitting, painting or simply socializing, according to a Monash University analysis.
Published in JAMA Network Open, this longitudinal study offers robust evidence about which leisure activities in later life are most closely associated with lower dementia incidence. Its findings can inform individuals, families, and aged-care providers seeking practical ways to support cognitive health.
The study drew on participants from the ASPREE (ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly) trial and the ALSOP (ASPREE Longitudinal Study of Older Persons) sub-study. All participants were community-dwelling, generally healthy at enrollment, and free from major cognitive impairment.
Researchers grouped 19 baseline measures of leisure and social activities into categories using factor analysis. Activities classified as adult literacy included formal education courses, computer use, and journaling. Mental acuity activities included crosswords, puzzles, card games, and chess. Creative activities covered crafts, woodworking, knitting, painting, and similar pursuits. Passive activities included reading, listening to music or radio, and watching television. Social measures covered the size of a person’s social network and the frequency of outings such as visits to restaurants, museums, or cinemas.
After adjusting for factors including earlier education level, socioeconomic status, and other health-related characteristics, more frequent participation in adult literacy activities was associated with an 11% lower risk of dementia (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 0.89). Active mental activities were associated with a 9% lower risk (AHR 0.91). Creative and passive mental activities were linked to smaller, but still measurable, reductions in risk (AHRs around 0.93). In contrast, measures of social networks and planned outings did not show a statistically significant association with dementia risk in this cohort.
The findings were consistent across men and women and remained significant after accounting for known confounders. The authors note that participants were generally cognitively healthy and socially active at baseline, which may limit the ability to detect additional benefits from social engagement in this specific group.
Senior author Associate Professor Joanne Ryan of the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine explained that the results suggest activities involving active manipulation of previously learned information and sustained mental effort may play a larger role in building cognitive reserve than more passive forms of leisure. She cautioned, however, that these activities are not a guaranteed prevention but appear to be among the most promising behavioral strategies to support prolonged cognitive health.
Associate Professor Ryan also emphasized that social connection remains important for overall mental well-being and may still contribute to cognitive health in ways not captured by dementia incidence alone.
About this cognition and dementia research news
Author: Joanne Ryan
Source: Monash University
Contact: Joanne Ryan – Monash University
Image: Image credited to Neuroscience News
Original research: “Lifestyle Enrichment in Later Life and Its Association With Dementia Risk” by Joanne Ryan et al., published in JAMA Network Open (open access).
Abstract
Lifestyle Enrichment in Later Life and Its Association With Dementia Risk
Importance
Engaging in socially and mentally stimulating activities in later life may help build cognitive reserve and lower the risk of dementia.
Objective
To examine associations between a broad range of leisure activities, social networks, and the risk of dementia among older adults.
Design, setting, and participants
This longitudinal prospective cohort study used ALSOP data collected from March 1, 2010, to November 30, 2020. Community-dwelling Australians aged 70 years or older who were generally healthy and without major cognitive impairment at enrollment were included. Data analysis took place from December 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023.
Exposures
Nineteen measures of leisure activities and social networks assessed at baseline were grouped using exploratory factor analysis to form activity categories.
Main outcomes and measures
Dementia diagnoses were adjudicated by an international expert panel using DSM-IV criteria. Cox proportional hazards models estimated dementia risk over up to 10 years, adjusting for education, socioeconomic status, and other health-related covariates.
Results
The study included 10,318 participants (median age 73.8 years; 52.6% women). Greater frequency of adult literacy and active mental activities was associated with lower dementia risk (AHRs indicating approximately 9–11% reduced risk). Creative and passive activities showed smaller risk reductions. Interpersonal networks, social activities, and external outings were not associated with dementia risk in this sample.
Conclusions and relevance
Regular engagement in adult literacy, creative arts, and active and passive mental activities may help reduce risk of dementia in later life. These findings can inform public health strategies and geriatric care programs aimed at dementia prevention for older adults.