People are faced with a variety of cognitive challenges as they get older. For instance, they are at a higher risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia. They may also see changes with normal aging such as reductions in speed of processing, working memory, and executive cognitive function.
We are all familiar with the ‘use it or lose it.’ If you don’t exercise your brain regularly, it won’t stay in shape. The cognitive loss may be severe.
Fortunately, there are a variety of exercises elderly people can do to keep their minds sharp. Here are a few examples.
Reading
A 2021 NIH 14-year study showed that frequent reading is associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline among older adults across all levels of education. Seniors should be encouraged to read the books they enjoy regularly.
Writing
A 2013 study published in Neurology revealed that reading, writing, and other mentally stimulating activities slow mental decline. The researchers gave 294 seniors memory and thinking tests over six years. The subjects were asked if they read, wrote books, and engaged in similar activities throughout their lifetimes.
After the subjects died, their brains were examined for physical signs of dementia, such as plaque, lesions, and tangles. Those who engaged in mental activities had an average of a 15% slower rate of mental decline than those who did not.
Socializing
A 2006 study published in the journal Lancet Neurology showed that people with large social circles are less likely to develop cognitive decline. They did especially well on working memory and language tests, even if they showed physical evidence of cognitive decline.
A 2011 study published in the Journal of International Neuropsychological Society looked at 1138 seniors over 12 years and found a 70% reduction in cognitive decline in those that were socially active.
Researchers are not sure how social activity boosts the brain, but they suspect it may help protect pathways that are responsible for cognition and memory. They feel socializing may provide intellectual and emotional stimulation, which protects against cognitive impairment.
Mentally Stimulating Activities (Crosswords, Etc.)
A 2014 NIH study found that participating in crosswords and similar activities can delay the onset of cognitive decline in the early stages of dementia.
Four hundred eighty-eight cognitively intact nursing home residents were assessed every 12-18 months, with findings showing crossword puzzle participation slowed memory decline by 2.54 years on average. It also showed that late-life crossword puzzle participation could delay memory decline in people with dementia.
Art and Other Creative Activities
A study published in the journal Neurology showed that participating in artistic activities could slow the progression of cognitive decline.
The study looked at 256 people over the age of 85 who showed no sign of impaired memory at the outset of the study. They were asked to participate in creative activities such as ceramics, drawing, woodworking, quilting, painting, and sculpting. Researchers concluded that people who engage in these activities may reduce cognitive impairment by 73%.
Creativity is said to change the brain creating new communication channels called dendrites, which aid in healing cognitive dysfunction. Creative people also have more gray matter in the part of the brain responsible for processing sensory information. It makes the brain more active, boosting cognition and relaxation.
Music
A 2023 study published in Science Direct found that playing and actively listing to music can slow gray matter loss in the brain.
As we age, the brain loses plasticity, making it hard to learn new things. The process is accompanied by a loss of gray matter which contains neurons. The result is brain atrophy and cognitive decline.
A six-month study led by researchers at the University of Geneva involved 132 participants 62 to 78 years old, none of which had significant music training throughout their lifetimes.
The participants were divided into two groups, one of which engaged in one-hour piano lessons once a week and was asked to practice for 30 minutes five days a week. The other group was made to participate in active music listening sessions, which involved recognizing music styles and instruments.
The groups were tested for cognitive ability at the end of the 6-month study. Their scoring on the test improved by an average of 6%. The group that played music exhibited no loss of gray matter, while the group that listened to music exhibited some loss.
A Mission Senior Living Home Care Team Can Help
A Mission health care team can help seniors minimize cognitive decline by providing a social outlet. Our staff will engage your loved one in a variety of mentally stimulating activities. We will ensure they eat a healthy diet and exercise, which can also benefit their mental health.
Contact us to find out how we can improve your loved one’s quality of life.
