Gaby
According to a new study, middle-aged individuals who participate in educational courses have a 19% lower risk of developing dementia over a five-year period. It’s well-known that puzzles, Sudoku, and even certain video games can help protect against Alzheimer’s disease. However, recent research indicates that learning a new language or acquiring new skills can also be beneficial.
Adult Education Courses Reduce Dementia Risk
Researchers analyzed data from 282,000 British volunteers aged 40 to 69, who were monitored over a span of seven years. Participants received a personalized risk assessment for dementia based on their DNA and self-reported whether they had attended any adult education classes.
During the study, they underwent a series of psychological and cognitive tests (such as reaction time and memory assessments). Over the years of observation, dementia developed in 1.1% of the participants.
The analysis revealed that those who participated in adult education courses at the beginning of the study had a 19% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who did not. They maintained their fluid intelligence—the ability to learn, evaluate, and navigate new situations—and nonverbal reasoning, which is the ability to solve problems presented in the form of diagrams or images, better than those who did not attend classes.
One of the study’s authors, Dr. Hikaru Takeuchi, told the Daily Mail that the findings highlight the importance of attending adult education courses, as it reduces the risk of developing dementia over five years. His co-author, Dr. Ryuta Kawashima, adds that engaging in intellectual activities positively impacts the nervous system, potentially preventing dementia. Experts are also calling for further research to establish any protective effects of adult education.
A Bit About Dementia
Dementia is a broad term used to describe a range of neurological disorders (those affecting the brain) that impact memory, thinking, and behavior. The most common type is Alzheimer’s disease, although some individuals may experience a combination of different types. Each person, regardless of the diagnosed type, experiences these disorders in their own unique way.
Dementia is a global concern. In the UK alone, there are over 900,000 people living with this disorder. Scientists predict that this number could rise to 1.6 million by 2040.
As people age, the risk of developing dementia increases, and there is currently no cure. Therefore, the research conducted by Japanese scientists on the impact of adult education courses could be of significant importance.
