Do studies that show that cognitively stimulating activities are associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease mean that any form of cognitive stimulation is effective?
No. Although those studies do show that individuals who engage in more cognitively stimulating activities are the same people that generally develop Alzheimer’s disease more slowly, they do not show which of those facts causes the other. In fact, many scientists believe that the very early stages of brain change that presage Alzheimer’s disease (which can not be detected with today’s technology) cause a reduction in cognitively stimulating activities—meaning that cognitively stimulating activities do not prevent Alzheimer’s disease, but rather that Alzheimer’s disease prevents cognitively stimulating activities. This “chicken and egg” question can not resolved with the study designs used to date—randomized controlled trials that follow participants for many years will have to be done to provide a conclusive answer to this question.
Related Questions
- Do studies that show that cognitively stimulating activities are associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease mean that any form of cognitive stimulation is effective?
- I have heard that some patients are at increased risk for Clostridium difficile - associated disease. Is that true?
- Does having Alzheimer’s disease mean my mother can no longer live independently?
