Dementia in the study refers to both Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Vascular dementia
is the 2nd most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s.The study included participants in six brain-stimulating hobbies – reading, writing for pleasure, doing puzzles, board games or playing cards, group discussions and playing music.

The study also included participants in 11 physical activities including team sports, swimming, bicycling and dance.

Dance was the only physical activity that benefited the brain. This was attributed to the cerebral rather than the physical aspect of dance.