Efficacy of leisure experiences in controlling the onset of dementia in older adults

Juan Tortosa-Martinez; Dean A. Zoerink; Carmen Manchado-Lopez

doi:10.1515/ijdhd.2011.028

Article

Efficacy of leisure experiences in controlling the onset of dementia in older adults

Juan Tortosa-Martinez , Dean A. Zoerink and Carmen Manchado-Lopez

Published/Copyright: May 10, 2011

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International Journal on Disability and Human Development

From the journal Volume 10 Issue 2

Abstract

There is compelling evidence supporting the protective effects that different leisure activities have on dementia. The focus of this study was to explore the degree to which leisure experiences that occur during the lifespan prevent or delay the onset of dementia. Greater protective effects against dementia were associated with engagement in a higher number of activities and greater frequency of participation. Leisure activities were divided into three main groupings: mental, social, and physical activities. All activity groups present positive effects separately; however, leisure activities involving these three components at the same time seem to be most beneficial for preventing or reducing the risk of dementia in later life.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; cognitive; dementia; leisure; physical activity; social

Corresponding author: Juan Tortosa-Martinez, PhD, Department of General and Specific Didactics, College of Education, University of Alicante, Carretera San Vicente del Raspeig s/n 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig-Alicante, Spain

Received: 2010-10-3

Accepted: 2010-12-5

Published Online: 2011-05-10

Published in Print: 2011-05-01

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Articles in the same Issue

https://doi.org/10.1515/ijdhd.2011.028

Keywords for this article

Alzheimer’s disease; cognitive; dementia; leisure; physical activity; social