Older people who use computers, take classes, or do crossword puzzles may be enjoying activities that ultimately reduce their risk of dementia, a new study shows.

Previous research has linked routines, activities, and hobbies, which researchers call “lifestyle enrichment,” to better thinking skills and changes in the brain. Summarizing past studies, the authors wrote that “an enriched lifestyle with diverse leisure activities may reflect an optimistic personality and confer cognitive benefits by stimulating the growth of neurons and synapses and promoting well-being.”

This latest study sought to further find out if older people who do leisure activities or who have significant social networks have a lower dementia risk. Published in JAMA Network Open, the Australian-led team of researchers analyzed data from 10,318 people without major problems with their mental skills who were ages 70 years and older, and of whom 53% were women and 98% were white. They were followed for 10 years, with the follow-up period concluding in 2020. During that time, 3% of them got dementia. “Individuals with dementia were older, a higher proportion were men, and they were more likely to have lower levels of physical activity and to be in poorer health than individuals without dementia,” the authors wrote.

One of the strengths of the new study was that it looked at 19 types of activities and social networks, and also adjusted for health status and education status, since people who take part in activities tend to be healthier. With this approach, the researchers said, they could see if specific types of activities were more helpful than others, and they could also see if there was a lower dementia risk regardless of someone’s existing health problems or education level.

Specifically, they found: An 11% reduced risk of dementia among people who did adult literacy activities, such as writing letters, journaling, using a computer, and taking education classes. A 9% reduced risk of dementia among people who did active mental activities, such as crossword puzzles or playing games, cards, or chess. A 7% reduced risk of dementia among people who said they paint or draw, or do craftwork, woodwork, or metalwork. A 7% reduced risk of dementia among people who said they read books, newspapers, or magazines, watch television, or listen to music or the radio.

“These results suggest that engagement in adult literacy, creative art, and active and passive mental activities may help reduce dementia risk in late life,” the authors wrote. “In addition, these findings may guide policies for geriatric care and interventions targeting dementia prevention for older adults.”