Physical And Mental Activities Help

CHICAGO —A recent study conducted at Rush University Medical Center and published in the journal Neurology found that physical and mental exercise could help prevent cognitive decline. The study included 1,260 participants between the ages of 60 and 77, they were all considered to be at risk of dementia. Half of the participants were placed in a group that received health advice regarding following a healthy diet, and participated in physical and mental daily exercise. The other half of the participants did not receive health advice nor physical and mental exercise activities. At the end of the 2-year study, the team found that the group that added physical and mental activities to their daily routine saw on average a 25 percent higher score on a test that measures mental function. According to lead author, Professor Miia Kivipelto: “Our study is the first large randomized controlled trial to show that an intensive program aimed at addressing these risk factors might be able to prevent cognitive decline in elderly people who are at risk of dementia." According to the researchers, you can stay physically active by simply walking, biking, jogging, or doing housework for 20 minutes per day. In addition, the following are examples of mental activities: ·         Puzzles ·         Reading ·         Learn a new hobby ·         Playing an instrument If you are interested in preventing cognitive decline, you might want to consider adding physical and mental exercise to your daily routine. Have a great day.