According to a meta-analysis, leisure activities such as socializing with family and friends, practicing yoga, or reading books could help lower dementia risk. Studies reviewed include those looking at how these social, physical, cognitive activities impact dementia risk.
Previous studies have established the many health advantages associated with recreational activities, including reduced atrial fibrillation risk and lower cancer risks as well as improvements in overall wellbeing perceptions of an individual.
There’s conflicting evidence on the impact of leisure activities in preventing dementia; however, according to one meta-analysis study they were associated with reduced dementia risk, particularly volunteerism, playing sports or crafting.
Reviewers examined 38 studies, which involved more than 2 million dementia-free individuals followed for at least three years.
Interviews or questionnaires provided information on leisure activities; leisure activities were classified as those participants engaged in for well-being or enjoyment and were further divided into social, physical, and mental categories. Overall, 74,700 participants developed dementia during this study period.
After accounting for education, sex, and age factors, leisure activities were found to be associated with reduced dementia risk overall; those participating had 17% lower dementia risks compared with individuals not engaging in leisure activities.
Mental activity included activities that required cognitive abilities such as writing or reading for pleasure, listening to radio shows, watching television programs, playing musical instruments or games, creating crafts or using a computer. Individuals engaging in such activities had 23% reduced dementia risks.
Physical activities included running, walking, bicycling, swimming, using exercise machines, yoga, dancing and sports participation – with those engaging in these activities experiencing 17% lower risks of dementia.
Social activities were broadly defined as activities involving communication with others, such as joining a social club, attending classes, volunteering at religious activities or visiting friends and relatives. Individuals participating in these activities experienced a 7% reduced dementia risk.
This meta-analysis illustrates that leisure activities are highly beneficial and that daily integration of these activities into one’s lifestyle could have numerous positive benefits on cognitive performance and dementia risk reduction. This research found that participation in leisure activities reduced dementia risk.
One study limitation was that individuals self-reported their mental and physical activity levels, so some may not have accurately remembered and reported them.
