Preventing Dementia

[Anchor Lead]

One day, just about everyone will need to start worrying about dementia. Is there any way to prevent the disease? A study shows that social gatherings and group activities are effective in keeping dementia at bay.

[Pkg]

This is a mobile cafe organized by a provincial authority in a venue where an event is taking place. The cafe car even has a name, "Memory." Elderly people suffering from slight cognitive disorders take orders and make coffee.

[Soundbite]Lee Jeom-nam (Volunteer, "Memory Cafe", 68-year-old): "It helps with my memory. I made a mistake once but that was also fun."

In another corner, seniors in the local area are gathered around, talking and laughing.

[Soundbite]Choi Chae-soon (Seoul Resident, 70-year-old): "Coming out here I get to talk and interact with many people. It lifts my mood and will likely prevent ailments such as depression and dementia."

Researchers at Keimyung University School of Medicine have observed 24-hundred seniors 65 and older over six years. Around 38 percent report a decline in cognitive skills. Seniors taking part in fewer than one group social activity were 1.8 times more at risk to struggle with weaker memory compared to those engaging in three or more social functions. Also among the activities, the absence of a fellowship meeting such as at a local senior center increased the risk of memory loss by 31%. The absence of an alumni gathering increased the risk by 46%. However experts also advise that during group activities, participants should be considerate not to hurt each other's feelings and also avoid alcohol, smoking and gambling.