A recent study, published in the journal Neurology, found that increased cognitive activity across one’s life span is associated with greater cognitive functioning and decreased cognitive decline later in life.  The study found reduced cognitive decline could be attributed to cognitive activity during childhood and middle ages, but did not find an association with cognitive activity during young adult years.

Cognitive activity refers to those activities that are mentally stimulating, such as reading and writing.  The study found that these types of activities at all ages helped preserve memory functions in particular.  The researchers surveyed 294 participants that were older.  Asking about their reading, writing, and other cognitive activities at all stages in their lives.  They also conducted examinations on donated brain tissue after some of the participants died.  From these exams, they found some evidence indicating that mental stimulation helped prevent some of the physical damage to the brain.

Earlier this year, another study examined the impact of cognitive decline.  In particular, the researchers found that caring for a patient with dementia costs upwards of $50,000 per year or $215 billion in total.  This is cause for concern when considered in the context of increasing national rates of dementia and Alzheimer’s.  Reducing cognitive decline could also help decrease the prevalence of these conditions.

Other studies have shown additional factors linked to short-term and long-term cognitive functioning.  Research examined the connection between napping and short-term cognitive functioning.  In general, naps improve cognitive performance.  Shorter naps have immediate effects that last for a shorter duration.  In contrast, longer naps have immediate impairments while the person is still feeling sleepy, but result in improved performance for up to several hours.

Additional research studied the effects of regular exercise on cognitive functioning.  Published in the journal Psychological Medicine, the study found that participating in lifelong exercise beginning as a child and continuing throughout the life showed demonstrably improved brain functioning at the age of 50.  Moreover, exercise provides benefits related to memory, brain mechanisms of action, blood circulation, and clearing the mind.

There are also brain exercises to help prevent cognitive decline.  This may include activities such as Sudoku or crossword puzzles.  According to a study last year, engaging the brain with cognitive activities such as these exercises is more beneficial than the use of drugs.  In fact, certain drugs may actually increase the risk of cognitive impairments, increasing the incentive to try including cognitive activities every day.