Reading, listening to music can ward off dementia, a new study finds

Dementia is common in elderly people. Though it is not a normal part of aging, the risk of dementia in people above the age of 60 is very significant. Dementia does not happen overnight, but the underlying cause of it - Alzheimer's or other damage to brain nerves causes dementia.There is no complete cure for dementia yet, but multiple studies have found that daily routine reduces the risk and keeps the disease in check without making it worse. new study done by the University of South Australia found that one can ward off dementia if they engage in reading, praying and listening to music.The researchers assessed 400 people aged over 60 for 24 hours and their activity patterns. The study found that the brain health of a person is completely based on the activity they engage in. The study published in the Journal of Gerontology Series A noted that sedentary behavior is better than cognitive function for a few. While exercise, diet and being physically active can reduce the risk of dementia This study stressed that calm behavior like painting, praying, listening to music, crafting and reading could ward off dementia. The study also noted that social behavior also keeps memory intact and helps thinking ability. It noted that watching TV or playing video games cannot have the same effect that calm behaviors have. According to the latest report of the World Health Organisation, around 55 million people in the world are diagnosed with dementia and almost 10 million new cases are diagnosed each year.Research professor Dr Maddison Mellow explained that all sedentary behaviors will not have the same or equal results when it comes to memory or cognitive health. She added that scientists already know that physical activity is a strong protector against dementia risk but this should also be prioritised if one is trying to improve your brain health.She mentioned how until now they haven't directly explored whether one can benefit brain health through sedentary activities and noted how even a small 5-minute swap of activity could help.