Modest 'mental exercise' can reduce risk of dementia for decades, study finds

NPR | By Jon Hamilton

Published February 9, 2026 at 5:13 PM EST

One type of cognitive training appears to reduce the risk of dementia 20 years later.

Jon Hamilton

Jon Hamilton is a correspondent for NPR's Science Desk. Currently he focuses on neuroscience and health risks.

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.

Contribute now

Related Content

The Commonwealth

Kentucky State University announces a new Bachelor of Science in Aquatic Science program

Stan Ingold

The Bachelor of Science degree program in Aquatic Science is focused on aquatic systems and sustainable resource management.
NPR News

Lindsey Vonn says she suffered 'complex tibia fracture' in her Olympic downhill crash

Becky Sullivan

The 41-year-old star said her torn ACL was not a factor in her crash. "While yesterday did not end the way I had hoped, and despite the intense physical pain it caused, I have no regrets," she wrote.
The glass left from yahrzeit candles can be another way to memorialize a loved one

Deena Prichep

In Jewish tradition, after someone dies, the anniversary of their death is marked by lighting a yahrzeit candle. It comes in a stubby glass holder. In some families, that old glass found a new use.
AI complicates proof of life in the search for Savannah Guthrie's mother

Kat Lonsdorf

The FBI says AI is complicating the idea of a proof of life message in the search for Savannah Guthrie's mom. Experts say AI needs just a few short clips of a person to render a convincing fake.
In Lebanon, a college campus welcomes cats abandoned in war

Jane Arraf

At the American University of Beirut where up to 1,600 rescued cats roam the campus.