One of the most interesting studies I have ever read was the 1996 “Nun” study examining the association between low idea density in writing and later development of Alzheimers. This is an equally interesting study:
Playing chess, bridge or a musical instrument significantly lowers the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, according to the most comprehensive study to examine the benefits of challenging intellectual activity among the elderly.
Seniors who regularly engaged in pastimes that stretched their minds — sorry, watching TV doesn’t count — lowered their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias by as much as 75 percent, compared with those who didn’t exercise their minds, researchers said yesterday.
The report bolsters a growing body of evidence that exercising the mind through board games, social activities and education offers powerful protection against mental deterioration and disease.
Brings a whole new meaning to the phrase “Use it or lose it.”
st
I agree that it’s interesting, but isn’t there a correlation/causation problem here? Did they actually force one group to do more intellectual calisthenics, or did they just track the fates of those who self-selected to engage in such pursuits versus those who self-selected to just watch TV? In other words, could this be evidence not of a “use it or lose it” situation, but something, unfortunately, more deterministic?
John Cole
That is why I used the word association.
Pat Paterick
I don’t buy the “use it or lose it” phrase. When you go down the list of who has succumbed to AD and who is in the midst of it…many intellectuals have been affected. I have taken care of numerous AD patients of a a very high intelligence…