HHS HealthBeat (March 20, 2009)

Mind Workouts

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From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

A study indicates that middle aged and older people who work out their minds can keep their minds stronger.

Yonas Geda of the Mayo Clinic bases that on a look at people between the ages of 70 and 89. Some had a little memory loss – called mild cognitive impairment. Others did not. All were asked about things they did in middle age, from 50 to 65.

People who kept their brains active with things like reading, games, computer activities and crafts were 30 percent to 50 percent less likely to have developed mild cognitive impairment. 

[Yonas Geda speaks] ``This means perhaps aging does not have to a simple passive process.’’

The study, for presentation at an American Academy of Neurology meeting, was supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: March, 23 2009