Close X
Thursday, December 19, 2024
ADVT 
Health & Fitness

Mentally stimulating down time activities linked to better brain health: study

Darpan News Desk IANS, 17 Dec, 2024 04:40 PM
  • Mentally stimulating down time activities linked to better brain health: study

Engaging in mentally stimulating activities during down time, such as reading, can be beneficial for brain health, according to an Australian research.

In a new study, researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA) found that some sedentary, or sitting, activities are better for cognitive function than others.

The researchers assessed the 24-hour activity patterns of 397 adults aged 60 and above, and found that socially or mentally stimulating activities such as reading, playing musical instruments, crafting or talking to others are beneficial for memory and thinking abilities.

Watching television or playing video games was found to be detrimental.

The researchers said the findings could help reduce the risks of cognitive impairment, including from dementia.

"We already know that physical activity is a strong protector against dementia risk, and this should certainly be prioritised if you are trying to improve your brain health. But until now, we hadn't directly explored whether we can benefit our brain health by swapping one sedentary behavior for another," Xinhua news agency quoted Maddison Mellow, a co-author of the study from UniSA, as saying in the report.

She recommended breaking up time spent watching TV or gaming with five-minute bursts of physical activity or more cognitively-engaged seated activity.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 55 million people globally have dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed annually.

In Australia, about 411,100 people (or one in every 1000 people) are living with dementia. Nearly two-thirds are women. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that more than 55 million people have dementia with nearly 10 million new cases each year.

And, while the 'move more, sit less' message certainly holds true for cardiometabolic and brain health, the research - conducted by a team of UniSA researchers including Mellow, Prof Dot Dumuid, Dr Alexandra Wade, Prof Tim Olds, Dr Ty Stanford, Prof Hannah Keage, and Associate Prof Ashleigh Smith; with researchers from the University of Leicester, and the University of Newcastle - shows that a more nuanced approach is needed when it comes to thinking about the link between sedentary behaviours and cognitive function.

 

MORE Health & Fitness ARTICLES

Tips To Connect With Your Spiritual Self

Tips To Connect With Your Spiritual Self
So, what can you do to connect with your spiritual self? It's best to figure out what techniques work for you. Since connecting with the spiritual self involves one's values, beliefs, and purpose, it can be achieved in several ways-both physically and mentally.

Tips To Connect With Your Spiritual Self

A mini stroke vs regular stroke

A mini stroke vs regular stroke
It has been observed that the risk of stroke in the first three months after a TIA is 2-17 percent. About 33 percent of those with a history of TIA have a major stroke within a year without any treatment.

A mini stroke vs regular stroke

Make these diabetic-friendly sweets this Diwali!

Make these diabetic-friendly sweets this Diwali!
We cannot imagine Diwali without sweets. The texture of kaju katli, the deliciousness of milk sweet, or that soul-stirring feeling with each spoon of kheer is unmatched. Doesn't all of that sound mouth-watering? Now let diabetes not hold you back this Diwali. We are sharing the recipes of three sugary delights that are diabetic-friendly and will help you enjoy these treat guilt-free.

Make these diabetic-friendly sweets this Diwali!

Your body needs a good 8 hours of sleep every night

Your body needs a good 8 hours of sleep every night
Lack of good sleep, both in terms of duration and quality, can adversely affect the physical wellbeing with such individuals being more prone to develop both infectious as well as lifestyle related diseases. 

Your body needs a good 8 hours of sleep every night

Keeping a balanced diet while you travel

Keeping a balanced diet while you travel
Travelling calories don't count but it's important to keep yourself in shape. Working out has become more of a lifestyle than any leisure activity. It indeed gets difficult to maintain timely eating habits. But there are always some ways out if you are willing to choose healthily. Dietician and Nutritionist Sakina Mustansir shares few ways to keep a balanced diet. 

Keeping a balanced diet while you travel

Why is listening to your gut important?

Why is listening to your gut important?
In the past, most research on the impact of bacteria in the intestinal environment has focused on gastrointestinal pathogens and the way they cause disease. But in recent times there has been a considerable increase in the study of the positive effects of human microbes on health and wellness.

Why is listening to your gut important?