The hobby loved by teenage girls that could ward off dementia

It’s a hobby usually associated with teenage girls, glittery pens and heartbreak.

But keeping a diary – or a journal – could also help older people ward off dementia, research suggests.

Researchers analysed data from 10,000 people living in Australia over the age of 70 who were followed for around 10 years.

They discovered those who took part in more literacy activities – such as keeping a journal, writing letters or using a computer – were 11 per cent less likely to develop dementia.

Meanwhile, active mental activities such as playing games, cards or chess and doing crosswords or puzzles was linked to a 9 per cent reduced risk.

The researchers also found that artistic activities such as woodwork, metalwork, painting or drawing, and passive mental activities such as reading newspapers or listening to music, led to a 7 per cent reduced risk of developing the disease.

On the other hand, they discovered that social outings and interactions did not appear to have any effect.

Writing in the journal Jama Network Open the team, from Monash University in Melbourne, said: ‘These results suggest that engagement in adult literacy, creative art, and active and passive mental activities may help reduce dementia risk in late life.

‘For older adults, lifestyle enrichment may be particularly important because it could help prevent dementia through modifications to daily routines.

‘An enriched lifestyle with diverse leisure activities may reflect an optimistic personality and confer cognitive benefits by stimulating the growth of neurons and synapses and promoting well-being.’

The team added that their findings may help guide policies for geriatric care and interventions which target dementia prevention for older adults.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there around 50 million people with dementia globally, and there are nearly 10 million new cases every year.

A 2021 study estimated that global dementia cases will nearly triple to reach more than 152 million by 2050, driven by an ageing population.

The highest increase in dementia prevalence is projected to be in eastern sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa and the Middle East, the University of Washington experts said.