2. Having trouble remembering where you put those keys? Reading enhances your memory.
Scientists reporting their findings in the academic journal Neurology determined that frequent readers are less likely to experience cognitive impairment in old age[2].
The study of almost 300 people determined that those who exercised their brains frequently with cognitive tasks like reading had an over 30% lower rate of memory loss compared to those who did not perform frequent mental activity.
People who did not frequently exercise their cognitive abilities were almost 50% more likely to have brain-related problems in old age.
3. Hobbies that challenge your brain help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
As a study reported by the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America reports, people who didi not make use of their cognitive abilities in midlife had higher rates of Alzheimer’s disease later on[3].
“The brain is an organ just like every other organ in the body. It ages in regard to how it is used,” lead author Dr. Robert P. Friedland told USA Today.
“Just as physical activity strengthens the heart, muscles and bones, intellectual activity strengthens the brain against disease.”
In other words, things like playing chess or reading are awesome ways to exercise your brain and are some of the best ways to prevent cognitive degeneration.