ROCHESTER: Painting, drawing and sculpting in old age lowers the risk of developing the first signs of dementia by 73 per cent, a study has shown.
Taking part in art which stimulates the mind as well as developing motor skills, seemed to have a more protective effect that socializing, joining book clubs or using a computer.
Researchers followed 256 people who were over 85 years old for four years.
The participants reported their participation in arts, such as painting, drawing and sculpting; crafts, like woodworking, pottery, ceramics, quilting, quilling and sewing; social activities, such as going to the theater, socializing and using the Internet.
After four years more than one third had developed mild cognitive impairment which often leads to dementia.
However those who had taken part in arts were 73 per cent less likely to have suffered memory or thinking problems…