A new study recently suggested that reading books, writing and engaging in brain-stimulating activities may potentially preserve memory at any age.
The study was first published on the online issue of Neurology on July 3, 2013 by study author Robert S. Wilson, PhD who said that, "exercising your brain and taking part in brain-stimulating activities regularly" is important for brain health especially during old age".
The study tested 294 respondents whose memories and thinking were measured every year for the past six years before their death or at an average of 89 years old.
These respondents were asked to answer a questionnaire that was used to gauge if they actively read books, write or simply participated in various forms of brain stimulating activities when they were younger until they became adults.
Those who passed away after the duration of the six-year study were tested using their brains for evidence of the possible physical signs of dementia through lesions, brain plaques and tangles.
The study showed that those who engaged in mentally stimulating activities showed slower rate of decline in their memory compared to those who did not participate in any across their lifetime.
According to Wilson, "we should not underestimate the importance and benefits of engaging in brain-stimulating activities while we're younger and until we get old because it really has a direct relationship with our memories".
