Home >  Neurology and Neurosurgery MDTV >  Neurology & Neurosurgery Shorts >  Attending Parties and...

Attending Parties and Visiting Friends Could Delay Dementia Onset: Study Finds

By - Dr. Bhumika Maikhuri
Published On 2025-02-05 03:00 GMT   |   Update On 2025-02-05 03:00 GMT
Advertisement
The study, posted online in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, shows that frequent social activity may help to prevent or delay dementia in old age.
The study included 1,923 dementia-free older adults with a mean age of about 80 who are participating in the Rush Memory and Aging Project, an ongoing longitudinal study of common chronic conditions of aging.
A total of 545 participants developed dementia, and 695 developed mild
cognitive impairment. They each underwent yearly evaluations that included a medical history and neuropsychological tests.
In addition, a five-year delay in dementia onset has been estimated to yield an additional three years ofparties,friends,dementia,Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association,aging life and an economic benefit of reducing dementia costs by 40% in the next 30 years, potentially $500,000 in lifetime health care savings for each person who would eventually develop dementia.
Advertisement
Social activity was measured based on a questionnaire that asked participants whether, and how often, in the previous year they had engaged in six common social activities that involve social interaction -- for example, whether they went to restaurants or sporting events, played bingo, took day or overnight trips, did volunteer work or visited relatives or friends.
Cognitive function was assessed using 21 tests for various types of memory as well as perceptual speed and visuospatial ability.
At the start of the investigation, all participants were free of any signs of cognitive impairment. Over an average of five years, however, those who were more socially active showed reduced rates of dementia. Other variables that might have accounted for the increase in cognitive decline -- such as age, physical exercise and health -- were all adjusted for in the analysis.
The findings suggest that more frequent social activity points to a 38% reduction in dementia risk and a 21% reduction in mild cognitive impairment risk, compared to the least socially active.
"This study is a follow up on previous papers from our group showing that social activity is related to less cognitive decline in older adults," said Bryan James, PhD, associate professor of internal medicine at Rush.
"In this study, we show that social activity is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia and mild cognitive impairment, and that the least socially active older adults developed dementia an average of five years before the most socially active."
Reference: https://www.rush.edu/news/being-social-may-delay-dementia-onset-five-years
Full View
Tags:    
Article Source : Alzheimer's & Dementia

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Dr. Bhumika Maikhuri

Dr Bhumika Maikhuri is an orthodontist with 2 years of clinical experience. She is also working as a medical writer and anchor at Medical Dialogues. She has completed her BDS from Dr D.Y. Patil Medical College and Hospital and MDS from Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences. She has a few publications and patents to her credit. Her diverse background in clinical dentistry and academic research uniquely positions her to contribute meaningfully to our team.

Comments Policy
Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Similar News

New 2025 Hypertension Guidelines Released with Stronger Focus on Brain Health and Early Intervention

Women with Down Syndrome More Vulnerable to Alzheimer's Than Men: Study Finds

Multiple Sclerosis May Begin 15 Years Earlier with Subtle Symptoms: Study Suggests

Can This Common Diabetes Drug Prevent Stroke? Emerging Data Suggests Strong Link

Study Shows Poor Sleep Habits May Be Linked to 172 Diseases

Exercise, Diet, and Brain Training Can Slow Mental Aging: Study Finds

Study Reveals How Green Spaces May Protect Children Against ADHD and Autism

Is Air Pollution Quietly Increasing Brain Tumour Risk? Study Sheds Light