Mental Stimulation and Dementia

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Epidemiological studies support an association between increasing levels of participation in mentally stimulating activities and reduced risk of developing dementia. Mentally stimulating activities may exert their protective effects on cognitive decline in older adults via improving cognitive reserve, promoting vascular health or reducing stress. Given the low risks associated with participation in mentally stimulating activities, clinicians should consider encouraging participation of patients with dementia or older adults at risk for developing dementia in mentally stimulating activities. However, there is a paucity of high-quality clinical trials of mental stimulation interventions in dementia. Well-designed, large-scale clinical trials are needed to help develop evidence-based health recommendations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationPathy's Principles and Practice of Geriatric Medicine
Subtitle of host publicationFifth Edition
PublisherJohn Wiley and Sons
Pages903-909
Number of pages7
Volume2
ISBN (Print)9780470683934
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 12 2012

Keywords

  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Cognitive decline
  • Cognitive reserve
  • Dementia
  • Leisure activities
  • Mental stimulation
  • Stress

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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