Social media trends suggesting that eating with one's non-dominant hand can significantly lower the risk of dementia are not supported by medical evidence, according to experts. While learning new skills and challenging the brain are beneficial for cognitive health, this specific practice lacks direct scientific backing for dementia prevention.
Dr. David Gonzalez, a neuropsychologist at Rush University Medical Center, stated that there is no direct evidence linking the use of a non-dominant hand for eating to a reduced risk of dementia. Dr. Benjamin Rosenstein, an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the idea likely stems from the broader understanding that continuous learning and staying mentally engaged are positive for the brain.
Research indicates that lifelong engagement in challenging activities, whether through work, stimulating hobbies, or self-directed learning, may be associated with a lower risk of dementia later in life. However, the impact of acquiring a single new skill, such as eating with a different hand, on dementia risk is considered mixed.
According to Rosenstein, the benefit comes less from the specific act of learning a new skill and more from the state of being engaged and challenged. "If you're trying to learn something new, you're staying engaged with things, you're challenging yourself, you're keeping yourself active," he explained. Staying engaged and keeping the brain active are key for good cognition.
Gonzalez elaborated that for a new activity to have a neuroprotective benefit, it needs both quality and quantity of mental activity. The ideal challenge is not too easy nor too frustrating, providing a 'just right' level of novelty. For someone right-handed attempting to use their left hand for a task, there is a small element of truth as it presents a novel challenge. However, once the skill is mastered, it ceases to be a mental challenge and therefore loses its protective effect on the brain.
Consistent dedication to a variety of new and challenging activities appears to be more protective than focusing on a single endeavor. The brain responds to our environment and benefits from diverse mental stimulation, such as learning a new language, exploring new recipes, taking up a sport, or engaging in creative projects.
Beyond specific brain exercises, established lifestyle habits remain the most effective strategies for lowering dementia risk. These include regular physical exercise, a nutritious diet like the Mediterranean-inspired MIND diet or the DASH diet, managing cardiovascular health factors such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and prioritizing high-quality sleep.
Furthermore, social engagement plays a crucial role. Studies suggest that social isolation and loneliness are linked to an increased dementia risk, while fostering social connections can be protective. Experts encourage approaching life with curiosity and actively seeking out new experiences, hobbies, and social interactions to keep the brain engaged throughout aging.