The aging process can lead to diminished cognitive functioning in older adults, with about 10 percent of people diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment developing Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia every year. While some studies have suggested that activities like jigsaw puzzles may protect against cognitive aging, the benefits of these activities in preventing or delaying cognitive decline are still largely unknown. However, a new study from Texas A&M University School of Public Health found that older individuals with mild cognitive impairment who engage in high levels of activities like word games and hobbies have better memory, working memory, attention, and processing speed than those who do not.
The study, published in the Journal of Cognitive Enhancement, analyzed data on 5,932 individuals over the age of 50 with mild cognitive impairment from 2012 to 2020. The researchers used data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), which collects information through surveys and interviews. Participants were asked about their frequency of engaging in cognitively stimulating activities such as reading, game playing, and hobbies. The researchers divided participants into low, mid, and high levels of participation based on criteria used in previous studies and conducted multivariate analysis to assess cognitive function levels over the study period.
Results showed that those in the high-level participation group had higher levels of memory, working memory, and attention and processing speed compared to those in the mid- and low-level groups. Those in the mid-level group also had higher levels of working memory and attention and processing speed compared to the low-level group. While there were significant differences in cognitive functions over the years, the differences between 2014 and other years were not significant. The researchers hope that these findings will encourage health care providers to recommend stimulating activities for older individuals with mild cognitive impairment, such as playing games or reading, at least three to four times a week.
The researchers also hope that barriers to engaging in these activities, such as lack of caregiver support and financial constraints, can be addressed through improved public care services and community support networks. With nearly six million people in the United States currently living with dementia, a number projected to reach about 14 million by 2060, it is crucial to find ways to prevent or delay cognitive decline in older adults. By promoting activities that stimulate cognitive function, it may be possible to improve memory, working memory, attention, and processing speed in individuals with mild cognitive impairment, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and potentially reducing the risk of developing more severe forms of dementia.
Overall, the findings from this study suggest that engaging in activities like word games and hobbies can have a positive impact on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. By encouraging these individuals to participate in stimulating activities regularly, health care providers may be able to help maintain or even improve cognitive function over time. Additionally, addressing barriers to engaging in these activities, such as lack of support or financial constraints, could further support cognitive health in older adults. With the prevalence of dementia expected to increase significantly in the coming decades, finding ways to prevent or delay cognitive decline is essential for improving the overall well-being of older individuals.
