Can an Active Lifestyle Help Ward Off Alzheimer’s? - The Wall Street Journal

Young people need enrichment to build cognitive capacity, while adults, especially older ones, need it to maintain cognitive capacity and prevent neurodegeneration.

Studies have compared the cognitive performance of mice who live alone in empty cages with those who live in large houses equipped with colorful Lego blocks for mental stimulation, running wheels for exercise and other mice for social engagement.

Likewise, studies show that people who frequently engage in mentally stimulating activities can preserve their cognitive function and prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s.

An analysis of 10 studies with a combined 23,000 participants found that physically active older adults were 40% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s.