The process of ageing often leads to a reduction in cognitive abilities among older adults. Furthermore, statistics indicate that around 10 per cent of individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment progress to Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia annually.
Despite limited research, some studies suggest that activities like assembling jigsaw puzzles may serve as a protective measure against cognitive ageing. This potential to delay or prevent cognitive decline through such activities offers a ray of hope, inspiring optimism in the face of cognitive challenges.
Recent research from Texas A&M University School of Public Health provides new insights into this area. The study reveals that elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment who frequently participate in activities like word games and hobbies display enhanced capabilities in memory, working memory, attention, and processing speed compared to those less engaged in such activities.
Dr Junhyoung “Paul” Kim, an associate professor of health behaviour at Texas A&M, underscores the urgency of addressing cognitive decline. He notes, “Currently, nearly six million people in the United States have dementia, a number expected to surge to approximately 14 million by 2060, disproportionately impacting minority groups.” He adds that the study aims to bridge the knowledge gap regarding cognitive decline.
In their research, published in the Journal of Cognitive Enhancement, Dr. Kim and his team from the University of Southern Mississippi and Indiana University analysed data from 5,932 participants aged 50 and above with mild cognitive impairment. These participants were part of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) from 2012 to 2020, which gathered information through self-reported surveys and detailed phone interviews. The team evaluated responses to seven questions about the frequency of involvement in cognitively stimulating activities like reading, gaming, and pursuing hobbies. They then categorised the levels of participation into low, mid, and high, based on criteria established in prior studies, and performed a repeated-measures multivariate analysis of covariance.
The findings indicated that those in the high-level participation group consistently demonstrated superior cognitive function throughout the study period and maintained levels of cognitive function comparable to other groups. Specifically, individuals in the high-level group exhibited better memory, working memory, attention, and processing speeds than those in the mid-and low-level groups. Meanwhile, participants in the mid-level group showed improved working memory and processing speeds compared to the low-level group.
The study also identified significant variances in all three cognitive functions across different years, with a declining trend, although the variances between 2014 and other years were not statistically significant.
Dr. Kim and his colleagues are optimistic that these findings will have a significant impact on healthcare recommendations. They hope that healthcare providers will be encouraged to recommend that older adults with mild cognitive impairment regularly engage in games, reading, and other stimulating activities at least three to four times a week, thereby reaping the practical benefits of the research.
Moreover, Dr. Kim hopes that barriers such as lack of caregiver support and financial limitations can be mitigated through enhanced public care services and community support networks, facilitating more significant participation in cognitively enriching activities among older adults.
More information: Jungjoo Lee et al, A Longitudinal Analysis of the Relationship Between Different Levels of Cognitively Stimulating Leisure Activity and Cognitive Function Among Older Adults with MCI, Journal of Cognitive Enhancement. DOI: 10.1007/s41465-024-00293-2
Journal information: Journal of Cognitive Enhancement Provided by Texas A&M University
