Do you dream about following your creative passions? Have you ever wondered if you could be the next Annie Liebowitz, David Hockney or J.K. Rowling?
Maybe you’re yet to explore your creative side or perhaps you already spend time flexing your creative strengths? New research suggests that pursuing creative activities can guard against dementia by maintaining and improving memory.
Can creative activity make a difference to memory?
The Mayo Clinic’s National Institute of Aging studied 256 patients, with an average age of 87, over four years. The study, led by Rosebud Roberts was recently published in the American Journal of Neurology. Roberts found that people who regularly followed their creative passions were much less likely to experience memory and thinking problems (known as mild cognitive impairment or MCI) in later life.
The participants in the study reported how often they spent time on each of the following activities:
1. artistic activities such as painting and sculpting;
2. craft activities, like woodworking, ceramics and sewing;
3. computer activities, such as playing games, using the internet and making purchases online.
4. socialising, for example, travelling or attending activities such as the theatre, cinema and concerts.
The positive effects of creative activity on memory
After four years, Roberts found that 121 of the patients had developed mild memory and thinking problems (MCI). The participants who reported undertaking artistic activities in mid and later life were 73% less likely to experience memory and thinking problems than those who did not engage in any artistic activities.
Participants who socialised through activities like travelling, going to the cinema and theatre in mid and later life were 55% less likely to develop memory and thinking difficulties than those who didn’t socialise.
Those who engaged in craft activities in mid and later life were 45% less likely to experience mild cognitive impairment than those who did no craft activities and those who used computers in later life were 53% less likely to experience MCI.
Why are creative activities good for the brain?
Researcher, Rosebud Roberts, explained,“Our study supports the idea that engaging the mind may protect neurons, or the building blocks of the brain, from dying, stimulate growth of new neurons, or may help recruit new neurons to maintain cognitive activities in old age.”
So time spent pursuing creative passions is not only fun but may also provide the additional benefit of maintaining memory and guarding against dementia.
3 tips for adopting a creative routine
1. Choose one creative activity.Whatever your age, choose one creative activity that you are passionate to try and work out a plan to fit it into your schedule on a regular basis.
2. Make time to try different activities. A variety of activities will use different parts of the brain, this not only protects against mild cognitive impairment but also ensures new neurons develop.
3. Socialise. Accept opportunities to socialise or invite others to try a new activity or simply enjoy the benefits of time spent together.
Want to build your creative confidence? Watch this TED Talk by David Kelley:
