Want sharp brain till old age? Social activity is the mantra

According to a new research, hanging out with friends, partying or simply indulging in a game of housie or a walk to church can be the mantra to help retain a healthy, sharp brain in old age.

A study by the Rush University Medical Centre in Chicago suggests that continual social engagements may preclude or postpone “cognitive decline” in old age. Social activity boosts cognitive content and makes individuals less prone to cognitive impairment.

"It's logical to think that when someone's cognitive abilities break down, they are less likely to go out and meet friends, enjoy a camping trip, or participate in community clubs," said lead researcher, Bryan James, post-doctoral fellow at Rush Alzheimer's Disease Centre.

"If memory and thinking capabilities fail, socialising becomes difficult," he continued, "But our findings suggest that social inactivity itself leads to cognitive impairments."

Research on 1,138 adults
The study roped in 1138 older adults with an average age of 80 years. They are partaking in the Rush Memory and Aging Project.

Going by a Rush statement, the researchers carried out annual investigations on them which included medical history and various neuropsychological tests.

Participants filled up a questionnaire that asked if and how frequent in the previous year they had partaken in social interactions like going to eateries, sporting events or playing bingo, day or overnight trips, volunteer work, visiting kith and kin or any other social mixing.

A series of 19 tests was performed to assess cognitive capability for different kinds of memory, perceptual speed and visuospatial potential.

Revelations of the study
The research saw no signs of cognitive impairment at the commencement of the medical probe. More and more involvement in social activities over a mean of five years projected decreased rates of cognitive decline.

Being socially active clearly held the key. Taken on an average, those practising highest levels of social activity underwent merely a quarter of the rate of cognitive deterioration experienced by adults least socially active.

The study has been reported in the online edition of 'Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society'.