Joining the Women’s Institute could boost brainpower and stave off dementia, say docs
Even being an active member of a political party helps protect against mental decline and boosts brain power
JOINING a community group such as the Women’s Institute or Neighbourhood Watch may help stave off dementia.
Even being an active member of a political party helps protect against mental decline and boosts brain power, a study suggests.
It found middle-aged participation helped stem the loss of brain power even when other factors such as health and education were looked at. Experts said it explained around a fifth of the difference in mental decline at 50 between those with best and worst faculties.
The University of Southampton tested more than 9,000 adults over four decades. Around one in six people in their 30s were involved with civic activities, rising to one in three by the age of 50.
Lead researcher Professor Ann Bowling said: “The implication is that if people continue to engage socially throughout life, maintaining related behaviours that require cognitive skills such as memory, attention and control, there may be some protection from cognitive [mental] decline.
“These findings suggest it could also have a protective effect against dementia.”
Previous research has shown those with greater “mental reserves” are at lower risk of dementia.
Around 850,000 Brits have the disease – and there is currently no effective treatment.
The study is published in the journal BMC Psychology.
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Around one six people in their 30s were involved in civic activities. This went up to one in three by the age of 50.
Dr Doug Brown, Director of Research at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “There is strong evidence that exercise can help keep our brains healthy throughout our lives, but there is less research into the impact of socialising.
“This large and interesting study suggests that being sociable, for example by joining a community group, can help keep our brains sharp in middle age.
“However, it did not examine whether socialising can actually affect our risk of developing dementia.”
And Dr Rosa Sancho, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Studying people over extended periods of time can provide valuable insight into how lifestyle factors are associated with people’s health.
“It’s interesting to see social engagement through involvement in community and voluntary groups being linked with better memory and thinking skills at age 50, but the reason behind the observation is not clear.
“It will be important to see the results of future studies of this group of volunteers, to shed new light on how their life experiences are shaping their risk of conditions such as dementia.”
Other studies revealed that those with greater “mental reserves” are at lower risk of dementia. Alzheimers charities called the findings interesting.