Trending Now - Avoiding These Habits May Preserve Your Cognitive Health
WHO:
Andrea Zammit, neuropsychologist at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago
Dr. Ronald Petersen, Alzheimer’s specialist at the Mayo Clinic
Jessica Langbaum, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute
Over 200 people interviewed, including neuroscientists and aging researchers
WHAT:
The study reported in the journal Neurology indicated that Alzheimer's disease struck five years later in those with the highest amount of lifelong learning compared to those with the least amount.
Autopsy findings from 948 participants who died during the study showed that cognitively "enriched" individuals had better memory and thinking skills and a slower decline before their death.
A study funded by the National Institutes of Health is currently examining the benefits of long-term computerized exercises aimed at improving attention and reaction time.
A study linked lifelong learning to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline
Zammit’s study enrolled nearly 2,000 older adults, aged 53 to 100, tracked for eight years
Participants were quizzed about educational and cognitively stimulating activities
Autopsy findings from 948 participants showed that cognitively enriched individuals had better memory and thinking skills
The study reported that Alzheimer’s disease struck five years later in those with the highest amount of lifelong learning
Recommendations for brain health include regular exercise, controlling blood pressure, and vaccination against shingles
Mentally sharp seniors quit six habits that erode cognitive flexibility, including consuming the same content daily and defaulting to the same social circle
WHERE:
Rush University Medical Center, Chicago
Mayo Clinic
WHEN:
The study tracked participants from 2018 to 2026
The article references a 20-year period since the neighbor stopped doing crossword puzzles
WHY:
Chronic health problems that arise in middle age, such as high blood pressure and poorly controlled diabetes, can increase the risk of later-in-life Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia.
Lifelong learning and cognitive stimulation are believed to build knowledge and skills that may protect brain health
The mentally sharp elderly seek intellectual discomfort to challenge their brains
HOW:
Experts recommend engaging in a variety of cognitively enriching activities, including reading, writing, learning another language, playing chess, solving puzzles, and visiting museums, to protect brain health.
Engaging in a variety of cognitively enriching activities such as reading, writing, learning languages, and playing chess
Avoiding repetitive content consumption and seeking diverse social interactions
Emphasizing unstructured time for mental wandering and exploration
(UPDATED March 10, 2026 07:15 UTC)
A new study published in the journal Neurology reveals that Alzheimer's disease tends to develop five years later in individuals who have engaged in extensive lifelong learning compared to those with minimal cognitive enrichment. Autopsy findings from nearly 950 participants indicate that those with enriched cognitive experiences exhibited better memory and thinking skills, along with a slower decline before death. Experts suggest that to protect brain health, people should participate in a variety of activities such as reading, learning new languages, and solving puzzles.
--
(UPDATED March 9, 2026 19:19 UTC)
A new study led by neuropsychologist Andrea Zammit at Rush University Medical Center has found a strong link between lifelong learning and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. Over eight years, nearly 2,000 older adults were tracked, revealing that those who engaged in a variety of educational and cognitively stimulating activities experienced Alzheimer’s symptoms five years later than their peers, with autopsy findings indicating better memory and thinking skills among the cognitively enriched individuals. Experts recommend regular exercise, managing blood pressure, and embracing diverse social interactions to maintain brain health, while mentally sharp seniors are encouraged to challenge themselves with new experiences and avoid repetitive habits.