Aging is often associated with minor forgetfulness and loss of cognitive function, but it does not cause the types of issues that arise with dementia.
According to Medical News Today, millions of people around the world have dementia, which is a term given to various chronic neurodegenerative conditions that affect cognitive abilities and memory, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Research is ongoing in an effort to understand more about what can be done to reduce dementia risk and cognitive impairment.
Reading may be something to explore. A study published in 2021 in Neurology found that high levels of cognitive activity, such as reading, playing games like checkers and puzzles, and writing letters, can delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease by five years among those aged 80 years and over.
So how can people read more? Consider these ideas.
• Carry a book or e-reader. Turn to a book rather than a cell phone for entertainment while waiting at appointments, school pick-up, commutes, and other times when waiting is necessary.
• Get newspapers delivered. Getting the news online can be convenient, but once you're on the internet it's easy to go down various rabbit holes that take you away from news information sites. Rather, pick up a newspaper and read it each day. You'll be strengthening cognitive health and supporting your local community in the process.
• Join a book club.
Book clubs are popular ways to meet new people and read regularly. Socialization opportunities and reading are great for seniors who may worry about cognitive health.
• Get a library card.
Visiting the library is still a fashionable thing to do. It's often a community hub for activities, and provides the most affordable place to get reading material.
• Stop into a bookshop while shopping. Make a point of popping into a book retailer while out and about. You never know what might pique your interest, particularly when visiting smaller, independent booksellers.
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