Reducing risk of dementia with adult literacy activities
Reducing risk of dementia with adult literacy activities KSNF/KODE - FourStatesHomepage.com
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Reducing Dementia Risk through Mental Activities
Reading books, newspapers, magazines, etc. could help reduce dementia risk
The Importance of Mental Activities in Reducing Dementia Risk
JOPLIN, Mo. — Engaging in mental activities such as crosswords, puzzles, education classes, and other cognitive tasks can significantly reduce the risk of dementia among older individuals. A newly published research study highlights the positive impact of these activities on improving cognitive reserve and brain health. Other activities that contribute to cognitive stimulation include computer use, letter writing, and playing cards or chess.
The Role of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Reducing dementia risk contributes to promoting good health and well-being among older individuals.
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- Participation in education classes and adult literacy programs helps improve cognitive skills and reduce dementia risk.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Ensuring access to mental activities for all individuals, regardless of age or background, promotes equality in dementia prevention.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Senior centers and community organizations play a crucial role in providing brain-boosting activities and promoting healthy aging.
The Impact of Mental Activities on Dementia Risk
The study’s findings suggest that engaging in various mental activities can help reduce the risk of dementia later in life. Specifically:
- Participation in adult literacy programs can reduce dementia risk by 11%.
- Playing intelligence testing games can cut dementia rates by 9%.
- Engaging in painting, drawing, or other artistic hobbies can lead to a 7% decrease in dementia risk.
Charlotte Foust, Family Caregiver Coordinator for Area Agency on Aging Region X, emphasizes the importance of “mental workouts” for seniors, highlighting that keeping the brain active is just as crucial as physical exercise.
Additional Beneficial Activities
- Reading books, newspapers, or magazines
- Watching TV
- Listening to music or the radio
The Science behind Cognitive Stimulation
In this study, adult literacy and active mental activities showed the strongest associations with reduced dementia risk. These activities involve proactive engagement, critical thinking, logical reasoning, and social interaction. Cognitive stimulation from these activities can increase the number of neurons and connections in the brain, leading to more efficient brain networks.
The Global Impact of Dementia
The number of dementia cases worldwide is expected to triple, affecting 150 million people by 2050. With no cure currently available, there is a growing focus on lifestyle interventions that can slow down or prevent the progression of the disease.
Promoting Mental Stimulation in Senior Centers
Foust highlights that senior centers across the Four States region recognize the importance of keeping the elderly population mentally stimulated to reduce the risk of dementia. The Joplin Senior Center offers a variety of brain-boosting activities, including puzzles, coloring activities, nutritious meals, and exercise classes.
Conclusion
The findings of this study, based on more than 10,000 individuals over the age of 70, emphasize the positive impact of mental activities on reducing dementia risk. By promoting cognitive stimulation and active engagement, communities can contribute to healthier aging and improved brain health among older individuals.
References
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article discusses the issue of dementia and the importance of engaging in mental activities to reduce the risk. This is connected to SDG 3, which focuses on promoting good health and well-being, including mental health. Additionally, the article mentions the importance of education and cognitive stimulation, which aligns with SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and quality education for all. Lastly, the article mentions senior centers and their role in providing brain-boosting activities, which relates to SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities that are inclusive and age-friendly.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- 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.
- Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship.
- Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green, and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (including dementia) through prevention and treatment (Target 3.4), increasing the number of adults with relevant skills for employment (Target 4.4), and providing accessible and inclusive spaces for older persons (Target 11.7).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease.
- Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill.
- Indicator 11.7.1: Average share of the built-up area of cities that is open space for public use for all, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities.
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators, but based on the identified targets, the following indicators can be used to measure progress: mortality rate attributed to non-communicable diseases (Indicator 3.4.1), proportion of adults with relevant skills (Indicator 4.4.1), and the share of open space for public use in cities (Indicator 11.7.1).
4. Table: 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 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease. |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship. | Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green, and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities. | Indicator 11.7.1: Average share of the built-up area of cities that is open space for public use for all, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities. |
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Source: fourstateshomepage.com
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