Fencing off dementia
There are many activities which scientists claim can ward off dementia – and it now seems the sport fencing is one of them. Researchers focused on young and old fencers to see if the activity was effective in counteracting some cognitive deterioration that happens to people as they age.
There are many activities which scientists claim can ward off dementia – and it now seems the sport fencing is one of them.
Researchers focused on young and old fencers to see if the activity was effective in counteracting some cognitive deterioration that happens to people as they age because, in fencing, players are required to adapt their movements due to a changing environment.
The study authors added players often need to make quick decisions while engaged in the sport, with much emphasis placed on visual attention and flexibility. Planning, cognitive flexibility, initiating appropriate actions and holding back inappropriate actions are other skills which contribute to greater cognitive ability as a result of fencing.
The study looked at 40 participants who were divided into four groups: 10 older fencers (average age about 50 years), 10 younger fencers (average age about 24 years), and 10 older and younger non-athletes who were matched for age and other demographic characteristics.
Researchers found younger participants had better reaction times than older ones, and athletes did better than non-athletes; although the older people had slower reaction times compared to younger people, their accuracy in the tests was the same.
