Puzzle-solving 'doesn't slow down mental decline in older people'

This is a fascinating share, if not for the results—"None of the measures of intellectual engagement was linked to the speed of decline of people's mental abilities over time"—but for the study itself.

"Many people also dropped out of the study. Only 96 of the 498 people recruited took part in the last round of testing. The researchers lost touch with 13 people, while 57 people died and 332 declined to take part."

Do studies like this often reach the front page of HN?

Re: Puzzle-solving 'doesn't slow down mental decline in older people'

#5

Post by Angostura » Thu, Dec 13, 2018, 12:10 AM UTC

I really enjoy the write-ups that the NHS does for these news analysis pieces. Informative, well pitched voice - in my opinion. Trustworthy

Re: Puzzle-solving 'doesn't slow down mental decline in older people'

#6

Post by buboard » Thu, Dec 13, 2018, 12:11 AM UTC

i wish they 'd suggest "programming" instead of puzzle solving. i mean, it's a form of puzzle solving, but it s also useful in real life.

Re: Puzzle-solving 'doesn't slow down mental decline in older people'

#7

Post by hndamien » Thu, Dec 13, 2018, 12:18 AM UTC

TrainedMonkey wrote: post #3

But exercise does: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20160324/Exercise-slows-do...

My armchair analysis suspects that it is chemicals like cortisol will degrade the brain over time, while dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin will help preserve it. So stress and anxiety bad, exercise good.

Re: Puzzle-solving 'doesn't slow down mental decline in older people'

#8

Post by mjfl » Thu, Dec 13, 2018, 12:18 AM UTC

TrainedMonkey wrote: post #3

But exercise does: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20160324/Exercise-slows-do...

I got my genes sequenced recently and it turns out I have a mutant gene that predisposes me to Alzheimers - APOE e4. it's a cholesterol shuttling gene! Very important to keep low fat, it effects your entire body.

Re: Puzzle-solving 'doesn't slow down mental decline in older people'

#9

Post by amelius » Thu, Dec 13, 2018, 12:20 AM UTC

tannerc wrote: post #4

This is a fascinating share, if not for the results—"None of the measures of intellectual engagement was linked to the speed of decline of people's mental abilities over time"—but for the study itself. "Many people also dropped out of the study. Only 96 of the 498 people recruited took part in the last round of testing. The researchers lost touch with 13 people, while 57 people died and 332 declined to take part." Do…

You can ask the same question about the NHS.

Re: Puzzle-solving 'doesn't slow down mental decline in older people'

#10

Post by gpvos » Thu, Dec 13, 2018, 12:22 AM UTC

TrainedMonkey wrote: post #3

But exercise does: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20160324/Exercise-slows-do...

There were some research results a few years ago that indicated that dancing does that very well (and particularly the role of follower in partner dancing, because you have to react quickly to small cues). Don't have a link ready, sorry. I'd be curious if that has been reproduced yet.