Leisure activity might not reduce dementia risk

Taking part in leisure activity in middle age does not appear to reduce dementia risk, finds a new study led by UCL researchers. Previous studies had suggested that leisure activities such as playing cards or gardening may be associated with a lower risk of developing dementia. But the new study, published in Neurology , found no association between taking part in leisure activities at age 56 and the risk of dementia over the next 18 years. The researchers also found that some people who are later diagnosed with dementia stop participating in leisure activities years before they are diagnosed. Lead author Dr Andrew Sommerlad (UCL Psychiatry) said: "Of course there are many reasons to participate in leisure activities, and this finding does not question the importance of keeping active for general health and wellbeing, but it does suggest that simply increasing leisure activity may not be a strategy for preventing dementia." "Our study suggests that changes in the amount of leisure activity may be an early sign of dementia, possibly due to symptoms such as apathy or other social changes or early cognitive difficulties."  The study involved 8,280 people with an average age of 56 years who were followed for an average of 18 years. Their participation in leisure activities was assessed at the beginning of the study, five years later and again 10 years later. Researchers reviewed health records to identify people who developed dementia.