“Hobby Hero” Slashes Dementia Risk

Hard headed. Thick skulled. The phrases we use to talk about our heads could make you think they’re tough.

But the truth is your brain beneath that thick skull is vulnerable. In fact, it’s under constant threat from modern living.

Environmental chemicals, inflammatory sugars, harmful vegetable oils, and other junk foods do damage daily.

And lack of exercise, uncontrolled high blood pressure, smoking, and obesity send your dementia risk soaring.

But you CAN fight back. 

In fact, thanks to a new study published in the journal Neurology we now have a better idea of what works (and what doesn’t).

And there are some surprisingly simple solutions that can make a BIG difference in your brain health as you age.

Incredibly, the new study found that LEISURE activities had the most impact on staving off Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

The meta-analysis crunched the data from 38 studies that included over 2 million people. The researchers found that our favorite pastimes were linked to a healthy 17 percent overall drop in the risk of dementia.

A deeper dive into the data revealed that different leisure activities have different impacts on dementia risks:

  • Mental activities such as reading, writing, playing games or a musical instrument, or crafting slashed risk by 23 percent.
  • Physical activities, including walking, running, swimming, bicycling, playing sports, yoga, and dancing, reduced risk by 17 percent.
  • Social activities such as taking classes, joining a club, volunteering, and attending church dropped the risk by 7 percent.

It’s clear that being active both mentally and physically can prolong your time here on this earth.

The past few years have been rough. Many folks have found themselves parked in front of the TV more often, slowly becoming couch potatoes as a result.

If that’s how you’ve been spending your leisure time, it’s time to make a change. Commit to some new hobbies that stretch your mind and body, like the ones I listed above.

P.S. The way you look at life has a dramatic impact on your health. In fact, new research shows this one “mindset trick” can literally help you live longer.

Source:

“Leisure Activities and the Risk of Dementia A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis,” Neurology Oct 2022, 99 (15) e1651-e1663; DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000200929

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More Free Articles

Take the SHORTER Path to Dramatically Better Health

Are you tired of fitness gurus preaching the virtues of 5 AM workouts and pushing Olympic-level training regimens? Their narrative can feel exhausting and entirely unattainable. But before you toss in the towel completely, I’ve got news that might just put a spring back into your step. A groundbreaking new study reveals that the key...

Read This

Unexpected Perks of Your Coffee Habit Revealed!

We all know that the first cup of coffee in the morning can FEEL like a lifesaver. But what if it might actually BE saving your life? A groundbreaking new study suggests that your daily coffee habit could be protecting you from not just one but multiple chronic diseases. Let’s pour over this fascinating research…...

Read This

The TRUTH About Diabetes Drugs and Brain Aging

You’ve probably seen the gushing headlines… Most say something like, “Common diabetes drug protects the brain against aging!” And let’s face it, that sounds fantastic. After all, who doesn’t want to keep their brain young and in tip-top shape? The headlines refer to the results of a new study that suggests the widely prescribed type...

Read This

Hidden Smartphone Danger Puts You at Risk

Remember when we thought cell phones were just something for young folks to obsess over? Back when we were convinced they were nothing more than a passing fad? Well, times certainly have changed. Now, most people… including many of us older folks… have jumped on the smartphone bandwagon. Heck, some of us are practically as...

Read This

Preserve Your Mobility with “Agile Aging” Exercises

Aging has a way of humbling us. You lose hair where you want to keep it—and often end up growing it where you don’t. With every passing year, your eyesight fades, and your waistline expands. And as your once quick pace begins to slow, you fear developing the dreaded “senior shuffle.” But here’s the thing....

Read This

Yes, Lazy Saturday Lie-Ins Can BOOST Your Health

Are you burning the midnight oil during the week and catching up on sleep on weekends? Well, I’ve got some news that might help you feel less guilty about those lazy Saturday mornings. A new study suggests that weekend lie-ins might be doing far more than just helping you feel refreshed. Experts say they could...

Read This

Mailbag: 7 Hidden Culprits Behind Your Weight Gain

“Why am I gaining weight, even though I am watching what I am eating?” – Battling the Bulge Dear Battling, Gaining weight when you’re not trying to is frustrating. And it just gets worse as we age… often regardless of our diet. The truth is that various factors can promote weight gain even when you’re...

Read This

Popular Artificial Sweetener Linked to Dangerous Heart Risk

Remember when erythritol was the darling of the health food world? Well, this popular sugar substitute might not be as sweet a deal as we were led to believe… A shocking new study reveals a dark side to this widely used artificial sweetener. It turns out erythritol is associated with a dangerous—and even deadly—heart risk....

Read This

Cracking the Code on Chronic Inflammation

Inflammation and obesity are the evil tag team at the heart of nearly every major disease we face—from diabetes to obesity. What starts as a normal, healthy process to fend off dangerous invaders can quickly fan into the flames of chronic inflammation… and that includes in your gut. The trouble is almost no one has...

Read This

Dreaming of Better Sleep? Your Gut Holds the Key

Do you toss and turn at night? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, if you’re a senior over 65, you join nearly 17 percent of your peers who ALSO struggle with poor sleep quality. But science has uncovered a natural supplement that not only could help you catch more Z’s but can also give...

Read This