Stimulating Mental Activities may Help Prevent Brain Aging

A recent study shows that mentally challenging activities for older adults may provide them with a safe way to prevent the brain from deteriorating.

"We need, as a society, to learn how to maintain a healthy mind, just like we know how to maintain vascular health with diet and exercise," psychological scientist and lead researcher Denise Park of the University of Texas at Dallas said, via a news release. "We know so little right now." 

The study involved 221 adults from ages 60 to 90 who were assigned to participate in one type of activity for up to 15 hours a day for the duration of the study period, approximately three months.

Subjects were involved in digital photography and quilting, both activities that require a lot of engagement and cognitive skills.

While involved in the activities, the participants listened to classical music.

"And, to account for the possible influence of social contact, some participants were assigned to a social group that included social interactions, field trips, and entertainment," according to the study.

Researchers found that the adults who learned new skills showed improvements in memory and the participants who did social activities didn't require as much help from cognitive skills.

"The findings suggest that engagement alone is not enough," said Park. "The three learning groups were pushed very hard to keep learning more and mastering more tasks and skills." 

"Only the groups that were confronted with continuous and prolonged mental challenge improved."

Researchers thus believe that in order to keep a brain functioning properly, mentally demanding activities are required to help cells stay active.

What do you think?

More information regarding this study can be found via the journal Psychological Science.