Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, characterized by gradual cognitive decline and behavioral changes. With rising prevalence and mortality rates, the focus has shifted to prevention strategies, especially since there are no pharmacological treatments that halt disease progression.

This study utilized Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the causal impact of 14 entertainment activities on AD risk. The analysis revealed a significant association between increased time spent using computers and a reduced risk of developing AD, suggesting that cognitive engagement through computer use may offer protective benefits. However, other activities, including physical exercise and social engagements, did not show significant correlations with AD risk in this study, highlighting potential discrepancies with previous research. While the study’s strengths include its large sample size and comprehensive approach, researchers suggest that further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between entertainment activities and AD, as well as to inform preventive strategies.

Reference: Lu T, Wang L, Zheng Y, Liu H, Liu J. Entertainment activities and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease: a Mendelian randomization analysis. Front Aging Neurosci. 2024;16:1419317. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1419317.