Neurology

Lifelong learning linked to lower Alzheimer’s risk, slower cognitive decline

February 19, 2026

A longitudinal study of 1,939 adults found that higher lifetime cognitive enrichment was associated with a 38% lower risk of Alzheimer disease (hazard ratio [HR], 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52–0.73) and a five‑year delay in dementia onset compared with low enrichment levels. Participants with greater enrichment also experienced slower cognitive decline and preserved late‑life cognitive function despite similar neuropathology. The risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) decreased by 33% per 1‑point increase in enrichment (HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.58–0.78). Individuals in the top 10% of enrichment developed MCI seven years later and dementia 5.4 years later than those in the lowest 10%.

Clinical takeaway: Encourage patients—especially older adults—to regularly engage in intellectually stimulating activities (e.g., reading, writing, language learning) to support cognitive aging and resilience.

Source:

Zammit AR, et al. (2026, March 10). Neurology. Associations of Lifetime Cognitive Enrichment With Incident Alzheimer Disease Dementia, Cognitive Aging, and Cognitive Resilience. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41671519/