Leisure is often a source of pleasure and entertainment. But they would also be incredibly beneficial to our health, especially in the fight against dementia, according to a meta-analysis published in the journal of the American Academy of Neurology this Wednesday, August 10. (source 1)
American researchers analyzed 38 studies involving 2 million people. After three years of follow-up, almost 75,000 of them ended up developing a form of dementia.
A risk of less than 17%
Using this data, the researchers found that people who participated in leisure activities had a 17% lower risk of dementia than people who did not.
The activities requiring some thought would be the most effective. Those who practice it on a daily basis reduce the likelihood of suffering from cognitive decline by 23%. This category includes in particular reading, writing, television, musical instruments, the use of a computer or even crafts.
As for sports activities, such as running or yoga, they reduce the risk by 17%.
Social activities
But another form of recreation could benefit brain health. Indeed, the study indicates that individuals participating in social activities see their risk of dementia decrease to 7%. Ces…