Reading, writing and learning languages throughout life may lower the risk of dementia by nearly 40%, according to a study published in Neurology. Researchers found that engaging in intellectually stimulating activities from childhood to later life was associated with a lower chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease and a slower cognitive decline.
The study involved 1,939 participants with an average age of 80, who were followed for eight years. Those with the highest levels of lifelong cognitive enrichment—such as reading books, visiting libraries, and learning a second language—had a 38% lower risk of Alzheimer’s and a 36% lower risk of mild cognitive impairment compared to those with the lowest levels. On average, the high-enrichment group developed Alzheimer’s at age 94, versus 88 for the low-enrichment group, a delay of more than five years.
Lead author Dr Andrea Zammit of Rush University Medical Center said the findings suggest that cognitive health in later life is “strongly influenced” by lifelong exposure to stimulating environments. She added that public investment in libraries and early education could help reduce dementia incidence.
Dr Isolde Radford of Alzheimer’s Research UK, who was not involved in the study, said the research supports existing evidence that dementia is not an inevitable part of ageing. “This new research shows that staying mentally active throughout life can cut the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by nearly 40%,” she said.
The study relied on participants’ recollections of early and midlife activities, which may not be perfectly accurate, and it only shows an association rather than proving cause and effect. Nonetheless, the authors say the findings highlight the potential benefits of lifelong mental stimulation.
