Looking after grandchildren on a regular basis could significantly lower your risk of dementia, say scientists
The findings add to a growing body of research that suggests practical and social engagement in older age boosts cognitive health.
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While there's no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, certain lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk.
A new study, published in Jama Network Open, found grandparents who cared for their grandchildren on a frequent but noncustodial basis had a statically significant lower risk of developing dementia, when compared to those who didn't engage in such roles.
Scientists also noted grandparents who were caregiving were more likely to have a mobile phone, which kept them more connected and also helped lower the risk.
The study analysed the experiences of more than 10,000 older adults in China and tracked cognitive outcomes in relation to their caregiving activities.
In China, roughly 17 million people were living with dementia in 2019, according to a report published in JAMA Neurology in February 2020.
"Dementia is a pressing public health concern, with a substantial burden in China, which accounts for nearly 25 per cent of worldwide cases and great socioeconomic costs," the authors wrote.
The findings of the new study support previous research suggesting staying socially active and engaged can help preserve brain health, particularly in elderly adults.
"The protective association of nonintensive caregiving with dementia odds supports the use-it-or-lose-it hypothesis, which posits that engaging in mentally and socially stimulating activities—such as interacting with grandchildren—can preserve cognitive reserves and delay cognitive decline," the researchers concluded.
But the study did caution more intense caregiving duties could have a negative impact.
"These benefits, however, appear to have a threshold, as intensive caregiving, often accompanied by heightened stress and caregiving burden, was not associated with reduced dementia odds," the authors warned.
Five simple tests that could indicate dementia
Social isolation can lead to an increased risk of developing dementia, says the Alzheimer's Society.
This is related to whether a person lives alone, and whether they see friends and family regularly or engage in social or community activities.
As well as staying in touch with loved ones, finding activities or groups that align with your interests, such as book clubs, walking groups, or sports teams, can help maintain social connections.
Embracing new experiences, such as learning new skills or taking up new hobbies can also help.
And finding opportunities to connect, such as being open to meeting new people and forming new connections, may also be beneficial.
Alongside staying socially connected, experts recommend the following lifestyle changes to stave off dementia...
Other ways to reduce your dementia risk
There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of developing dementia. Alzheimer's Society offers the following tips:
Do regular physical exercise
Regular physical activity is considered one of the best ways to reduce your risk of dementia. There are two main types - aerobic activity and strength-building activity. Aerobic activity includes activities like brisk walking, running and swimming. Strength-building include exercises like squats and push-ups. A combination of both types of activity is best.
Drink less alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol exposes your brain to high levels of harmful chemicals. You should avoid drinking more than 14 units of alcohol each week. This is the equivalent of one pint of beer and a small glass of wine each day.
Don't smoke
Smoking harms the circulation of blood around, particularly blood vessels in the brain. The earlier you stop smoking, the more brain damage you'll avoid.
Manage long-term health conditions
Certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes can increase the risk of getting dementia. Going for a health check to see if you have any of these is advised. Eating well and regularly exercising can help prevent and manage these conditions.
Protect your eyesight and hearing
Uncorrected vision loss can increase the risk of dementia. Similarly, hearing loss is tied to increased risk of dementia and could be an early symptom. The use of hearing aids has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia to the level of a person with normal hearing.
Protect your head
Traumatic brain injuries caused by a blow or jolt to the head, particularly when a person is knocked unconscious, can start a process in the brain where the substances that cause Alzheimer's disease build up around the injured area. If you're in a situation where there's higher-than-normal risk of head injury, such as riding a bike or playing cricket, make sure to wear protective headgear.
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