Active hobbies lower dementia risk

Having mentally-active hobbies and interests, rather than just watching television, could help to delay or prevent memory loss, according to a study of 1,321 people by researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, New York. The study included 197 people with mild cognitive impairment. Participants - who were all between 70 and 89 - were asked about their daily activities within the past year and when they were between 50 and 65. People who, during their later years, read books, played games, used computers and did craft activities such as pottery or quilting had a 30-50% decrease in their risk of memory loss and people who watched television for less than 7 hours a day were 50% less likely to develop memory loss than people who watched for more than 7 hours a day. People who participated in social activities and read magazines during middle age were about 40% less likely to develop memory loss.

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http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090217173022.htm