Play games to help keep dementia at bay: study
Play games to help keep dementia at bay: study Morningstar
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Sustainable Development Goals and Dementia Risk Reduction
By Jessica Hall
Puzzles, chess, and writing journals may have more benefits than just being pure amusements. These brain activities have been found to help reduce the risk of dementia.
According to a recent study in JAMA Network Open, engaging in activities related to adult literacy and active mental tasks can lead to a reduced risk of dementia over a 10-year period. These activities include taking classes, using a computer, writing journals, playing games, cards, or crossword puzzles.
The study examined a group of 10,318 adults in Australia who were 70 years old or older. These individuals were generally healthy and did not have major cognitive impairment at the beginning of the study.
Key Findings
- Engaging in literacy activities was associated with an 11% lower risk of dementia.
- Engaging in active mental activities was associated with a 9% lower risk of dementia.
- Engaging in creative artistic activities and passive mental activities was associated with a 7% lower risk of dementia.
“These results suggest that engagement in adult literacy, creative art, and active and passive mental activities may help reduce dementia risk in late life,” the study concluded.
The study also found that individuals who developed dementia were older, more likely to be men, had lower levels of physical activity, and were in poorer health compared to those without dementia.
Sustainable Development Goals and Dementia Prevention
In 2022, there were 55 million individuals worldwide living with dementia, and 10 million new cases emerged annually. As there is currently no cure for dementia, finding new strategies to prevent or delay its onset among older individuals is a priority.
The findings of this study can inform strategies for dementia prevention in later life by modifying daily routines and activities.
About the Study
This study was conducted by MarketWatch, which is operated by Dow Jones & Co. MarketWatch is published independently from Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal.
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08-03-23 1523ET
Copyright (c) 2023 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
- Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate
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SDG 4: Quality Education
- Target 4.6: By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy.
- Indicator 4.6.1: Proportion of population in a given age group achieving at least a fixed level of proficiency in functional (a) literacy and (b) numeracy skills, by sex
Analysis
The article highlights the connection between brain activities and the reduced risk of dementia. Based on this information, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:
1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
The issue of reducing the risk of dementia is directly related to SDG 3, which aims to promote good health and well-being for all ages. Target 3.4 specifically focuses on reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promoting mental health and well-being. Dementia is a non-communicable disease that affects mental health and well-being, making it relevant to this target.
The indicator mentioned in the article, suicide mortality rate (Indicator 3.4.2), is not directly related to measuring progress towards reducing the risk of dementia. However, it is an indicator under the broader target of promoting mental health and well-being.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
The article emphasizes the importance of activities related to adult literacy, such as taking classes, using a computer, or writing journals, in reducing the risk of dementia. This aligns with SDG 4, which aims to ensure quality education for all. Target 4.6 specifically focuses on achieving literacy and numeracy for both youth and adults.
The indicator mentioned in the article, the proportion of the population achieving at least a fixed level of proficiency in functional literacy and numeracy skills (Indicator 4.6.1), can be used to measure progress towards achieving this target. While the article does not provide specific data on literacy rates, it highlights the importance of adult literacy activities in reducing the risk of dementia.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. | Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.6: By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy. | Indicator 4.6.1: Proportion of population in a given age group achieving at least a fixed level of proficiency in functional (a) literacy and (b) numeracy skills, by sex |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: morningstar.com
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