Doing any specific activity, similar to being energetic, stimulating the mind, and maintaining social connections, helps maintain mental health in older adults. Now, a study shows that participating in a wide range of these activities may help much more.
Researchers reviewed 28 clinical trials involving 2,711 people aged 65 and older with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a stage between normal aging and dementia characterised by impaired memory, language and judgment. It is attributable to problems. All trials compared the brain function of individuals with MCI who commonly did two or more physical and mental activities with those that did just one. Examples of activities include exercise (strength training, balance, and high-intensity interval training), mind-body exercises (tai chi and acupuncture), cognitive training (computer brain games and reading), health education (nutrition and oral care). , and social outing. Each intervention lasted a median of 71 minutes and occurred two to thrice per week for roughly 20 weeks.
The researchers found that in most trials, older adults who made multiple attempts scored higher on tests of cognitive skills similar to processing speed, memory, executive function (planning and a spotlight) and verbal fluency ( (retrieving details from memory) was measured. Results published online on 3 May 2022. JAMA Network Open..
Photo: © Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images
