Health

Reading newspapers, doing crosswords and helping kids with homework can ward off dementia, study finds


PEOPLE who struggle to read or write are up to three times more likely to develop dementia, a study suggests.

Researchers found those who are ­literate can do activities that keep the brain healthy for longer.

 A new study found that those who struggle to read or write are three-times more likely to develop dementia

3

A new study found that those who struggle to read or write are three-times more likely to develop dementiaCredit: Getty

These include reading newspapers, completing crosswords and helping kids with homework.
Study leader Dr Jennifer Manly said: “We also found literacy was linked to higher scores on memory and thinking tests.

‘LIFELONG ADVANTAGES’

“These results suggest reading may help strengthen the brain in many ways that may help prevent or delay dementia.

“Even if they only have a few years of education, people who learn to read and write may have lifelong advantages.”

For four years Columbia University in the US tested 983 people with an average age of 77 who spent only a few years at school.

Uneducated adults were three-times more likely to have dementia at the start of the trial.

And they were twice as likely to develop it.

Dr Sara Imarisio, from Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “It suggests education could boost cognitive reserve, a type of resilience that allows our brains to resist damage for longer as we get older.”

 Researchers says doing things like crosswords or helping kids with their homework uses the brain and can help keep it healthy for longer

3

Researchers says doing things like crosswords or helping kids with their homework uses the brain and can help keep it healthy for longerCredit: Alamy
 Dr Imarisio says education can boost cognitive reserve - a type of resilience that allows our brains to resist damage for longer

3

Dr Imarisio says education can boost cognitive reserve – a type of resilience that allows our brains to resist damage for longer
Eating too much salt can ’cause build-up of toxic clumps in the brain linked to dementia’


GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk






READ SOURCE

Leave a Reply

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.