Want to Cut Your Alzheimer’s Risk by 38%?

A longitudinal study from Rush University Medical Center tracked nearly 2,000 adults over eight years and found that those with the highest lifetime levels of cognitive engagement — reading, learning, and intellectually stimulating activities across all life stages — were 38% less likely to develop Alzheimer's and 36% less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment than their least-engaged peers.

Higher engagement also delayed disease onset by five to seven years. Even participants whose brains showed physical markers of Alzheimer's at autopsy maintained stronger cognitive function — what researchers call "cognitive reserve."

 

Midlife was flagged as a critical intervention window. The study was observational; causality was not established. Learn more about the study from Inc. here.