How reading, knitting and playing chess can prevent Alzheimer's

There are nearly seven million people currently diagnosed with Alzheimer's in the US, and while there is no cure, experts are searching for ways to prevent it. That is because stories about far off lands and mythical creatures require readers to remember what happened early on in the book to understand the ending. 'Fiction may elicit more intense emotions and imagery in addition to new facts and ideas from reading non-fiction books,' said Dr. Zaldy Tan, a professor of neurology and medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. 'But more than the type of book, the key here is sustainability, Tan said, adding: 'I recommend people challenge their minds by reading something new to them.' Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the US with 6.9 million people living with the disease which is expected to double by 2050 Neuroscientists have suggested that remaining physically active and engaging in other activities like knitting, playing chess and puzzles and gardening could also prevent cognitive decline. 'Leisure activities including reading have been associated with lower risk of developing dementia in older adults,' Tan told DailyMail.com.