Alzheimer's: Reading, writing, learning new languages may lower risk

• About 32 million people globally are living with Alzheimer’s disease.
• Past studies show that older adults may be able to lower their risk for the condition by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as keeping their brain active.
• A new study has found that people who participate in lifelong learning activities, such as reading, writing, and learning new languages, may lower their risk for Alzheimer’s disease and slow cognitive decline.

Researchers estimate that there are about 32 million people around the world living with Alzheimer’s disease — a type of dementia that negatively impacts a person’s memory and comprehension skills.

Currently, doctors cannot always predict whether or not a person will develop Alzheimer’s disease. However, past studies show that older adults may be able to lower their risk for the condition by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a brain-healthy diet, getting enough exercise, managing stress, and keeping the brain active.

For example, previous research shows participating in certain brain-stimulating activities, like solving puzzles, reading, dancing, gardening, or playing a musical instrument may help slow cognitive decline as a person ages.

Now a new study published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, has found that people who participate in lifelong learning activities, such as reading, writing, and learning new languages, may lower their risk for Alzheimer’s disease and slow cognitive decline.