ENGAGING in mentally stimulating activities in midlife and late life is linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), according to a study from the Chicago Health and Aging Project. The study, which followed 1,950 participants for nearly two decades, found that individuals who regularly engaged in cognitive activities such as reading, visiting museums, and playing games had a significantly reduced likelihood of developing AD dementia.
Researchers assessed cognitive activity levels across three life stages: early life (childhood reading and storytelling), midlife (occupational cognitive complexity), and late life (hobbies like reading, listening to the radio, and playing board games). Statistical analysis revealed that while early-life cognitive activity did not show a significant impact, both midlife and late-life activities were independently associated with a reduced risk of AD dementia.
A 1-standard deviation (SD) increase in cognitive activity score was linked to a 34% lower risk of AD dementia in midlife (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.51–0.87). A 1-SD increase in late-life cognitive activity was associated with a 50% lower risk (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.38–0.65). Those in the highest tertile of cognitive activity had significantly lower AD risk compared to those in the lowest tertile.
These findings underscore the importance of promoting cognitive engagement as a preventive strategy against AD. Encouraging patients, especially in midlife, to maintain intellectually stimulating activities could be a critical intervention. The study also reinforces the potential role of lifestyle modifications in delaying cognitive decline, aligning with broader research on dementia prevention.
While genetic and other risk factors contribute to Alzheimer’s disease, this study highlights that engaging in cognitively stimulating activities in midlife and beyond can significantly reduce risk.
Reference: Dhana K et al. Cognitive Activity From Early to Late Life and the Risk of AD Dementia. Neurology. 2025;1(1).
Anaya Malik | AMJ
