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Puzzle solving 'won't stop mental decline' | Puzzle solving 'won't stop mental decline' |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Doing crossword puzzles and Sudoku does not protect against mental decline, according to a new study. | Doing crossword puzzles and Sudoku does not protect against mental decline, according to a new study. |
The idea of "use it or lose it" when it comes to our brains in later life has previously been widely accepted. | The idea of "use it or lose it" when it comes to our brains in later life has previously been widely accepted. |
But the new Scottish study showed that people who regularly do intellectual activities throughout life have higher mental abilities. | |
This provides a "higher cognitive point" from which to decline, say the researchers. | |
But the study did not show that they decline any slower. | |
The work, published in the BMJ, was undertaken by Roger Staff at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and the University of Aberdeen. | |
It looked at 498 people born in 1936 who had taken part in a group intelligence test at the age of 11. | It looked at 498 people born in 1936 who had taken part in a group intelligence test at the age of 11. |
This current study started when they were about 64 years old and they were recalled for memory and mental-processing-speed testing up to five times over a 15-year period. | This current study started when they were about 64 years old and they were recalled for memory and mental-processing-speed testing up to five times over a 15-year period. |
It found engagement in problem solving did not protect an individual from decline. | It found engagement in problem solving did not protect an individual from decline. |
However, engaging in intellectually stimulating activities on a regular basis was linked to level of mental ability in old age. | However, engaging in intellectually stimulating activities on a regular basis was linked to level of mental ability in old age. |
Proof? | Proof? |
The study uses modelling to look at associations and cannot prove any causal link. Also, many of the participants were unable to complete the whole study - some dropped out, others died. | The study uses modelling to look at associations and cannot prove any causal link. Also, many of the participants were unable to complete the whole study - some dropped out, others died. |
Previously, some studies have found that cognitive training can improve some aspects of memory and thinking, particularly for people who are middle-aged or older. | Previously, some studies have found that cognitive training can improve some aspects of memory and thinking, particularly for people who are middle-aged or older. |
They found so-called brain training may help older people to manage their daily tasks better. | They found so-called brain training may help older people to manage their daily tasks better. |
No studies have shown that brain training prevents dementia. | No studies have shown that brain training prevents dementia. |
And last year a report from the Global Council on Brain Health recommended that people should take part in stimulating activities such as learning a musical instrument, designing a quilt or gardening rather than brain training to help their brain function in later life. | And last year a report from the Global Council on Brain Health recommended that people should take part in stimulating activities such as learning a musical instrument, designing a quilt or gardening rather than brain training to help their brain function in later life. |
It said the younger a person started these activities, the better their brain function would be as they aged. | It said the younger a person started these activities, the better their brain function would be as they aged. |
Dr David Reynolds, chief scientific officer at Alzheimer's Research UK, said the research added to the "ongoing 'use it or lose it' debate". | Dr David Reynolds, chief scientific officer at Alzheimer's Research UK, said the research added to the "ongoing 'use it or lose it' debate". |
But as the research did not consider people with dementia, "we can't say from these results whether specific brain training activities could impact a person's risk of the condition". | But as the research did not consider people with dementia, "we can't say from these results whether specific brain training activities could impact a person's risk of the condition". |
"In addition to staying mentally active, keeping physically fit, eating a healthy balanced diet, not smoking, drinking within recommended guidelines and keeping weight, cholesterol and blood pressure in check are all good ways to support a healthy brain as we get older." | "In addition to staying mentally active, keeping physically fit, eating a healthy balanced diet, not smoking, drinking within recommended guidelines and keeping weight, cholesterol and blood pressure in check are all good ways to support a healthy brain as we get older." |