Cooking at Home May Reduce Dementia Risk in Older Adults, Study Finds

Islamabad: A new study suggests that cooking at home may significantly reduce the risk of Dementia among older adults.

Researchers found that as people age, they tend to rely more on frozen meals and microwave-ready foods, especially when facing mental health challenges. However, a study conducted in Japan revealed that cooking is not just a physical activity but also an important mental exercise.

According to the findings, regularly preparing meals at home can lower the risk of dementia by up to 30 percent. Interestingly, the benefits were even greater—up to 70 percent risk reduction—among individuals who were beginners or had limited cooking skills.

Experts explained that cooking engages multiple cognitive functions, including planning, memory, and coordination, which helps keep the brain active and healthy. The study observed that individuals who cooked regularly had noticeably lower dementia risks compared to those who did not.

Researchers concluded that encouraging older adults to participate in meal preparation could be a simple yet effective way to support brain health and reduce the likelihood of cognitive decline.