Participating in mental activities such as reading magazines or crafting can delay or prevent memory loss.
A study looked at nearly 200 people between the ages of 70 and 89 with mild cognitive impairment, and more than 1,100 people that age with no memory problems. Both groups answered questions about their daily activities within the past year and when they were between 50 and 65 years old.
The study found that reading books, playing games, participating in computer activities and doing craft activities such as pottery or quilting led to a 30 to 50 percent decrease in the risk of developing memory. People who watched television for less than seven hours a day were also 50 percent less likely to develop memory loss.
People who participated in social activities and read magazines were about 40 percent less likely to develop memory loss.