Reading, writing and learning a language or two can lower your risk of dementia by almost 40%, according to a study that suggests millions of people could prevent or delay the condition. After adjusting for factors such as age, sex and education, researchers found higher scores in lifetime enrichment were associated with a 38% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and a 36% lower risk of MCI. The study also did not prove that lifelong learning reduces the risk of dementia, as it only showed an association. “This new research shows that staying mentally active throughout life can cut the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by nearly 40%,” she said. “This supports what we already know about the preventive steps people can take to reduce their risk of developing dementia.”

Source: The Guardian February 12, 2026 15:00 UTC