Participating in certain mental activities in middle age and later in life may delay or prevent memory loss, according to a recent study of individuals aged 70 to 89 with mild cognitive impairment or diagnosed memory loss. The researchers found that reading books and magazines, playing games, doing crafts and engaging in computer activities in one’s later years led to a 30 to 50 percent decrease in the risk of developing memory loss. Those who watched less television in their later years were also less likely to suffer from these problems.

Source: American Academy of Neurology, 2009