2 Skills That Can Determine Whether You’re At Higher Risk Of Developing Dementia

There is now a growing concern regarding the risk of developing dementia. Cases have increased, which is why more are getting worried as to their risk of having the condition. A recent study showed that there are two skills, which could determine whether you are at a higher risk or not.

Literacy Rate

Research published in the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology revealed how one’s literacy rate contributes to his or her risk of developing the condition. According to the research, those who are illiterate are three times more likely to be affected by dementia as compared to their literate counterparts. There are certain skills that one acquires through education, which greatly determines your risk of developing the condition.

The study had 983 subjects, 77 years old on the average, and with each of them having attended school for at least 4 years or less number of years. They were then divided into two groups. Out of the 983, 746 were literate as they can read and write. The other 237 were illiterate.

The participants undertook certain activities, which required them to do cognitive tasks. They had medical exams, as well as thinking and memory tests. They were also asked to recall as many words as they can, given a specific category.

Reading and Writing Skills Matter

As per the findings of the research, in the illiterate group of 237, there were already 83 who suffered from dementia at the start of the study. This comprised 35% of the group. The researchers followed-up on the participants from 18 months up to 2 years.

They then found that out of the 746 literate participants, 134 had dementia. This comprises 18% of the group, a percentage much lower than the illiterate group.

Researchers concluded after adjusting other factors like cardiovascular diseases and socioeconomic status, that those who don’t have the ability to read and write, were three times at a higher risk of developing the condition. This was further proven during a follow-up checkup four years later that the number of individuals suffering from dementia in the illiterate group increased to 114, comprising 48%.

According to the author of the study, Dr. Jennifer Manly, reading and writing allow individuals to use their brain and to engage in activities that require the brain to work. Simple tasks like helping a child to do his homework could help the brain’s activities.