Tuesday 4 August 2009

Knitting Delays Dementia

Well I always knew it was good for you but I didn't realise just how much!

Neuroscientists at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, US, have been studying the benefits of crafts in reducing memory loss. In case you ever needed proof that knitting is good for you, here’s the story.

Nearly 200 people between 70 and 89 took part in the study. The results showed that regularly taking part in craft activities such as knitting or patchwork can reduce memory loss by 40%.

It appears that watching hours of television increases the risk of memory loss, so to make the most of knitting’s essential benefits, switch off the telly and stick with the knitting.

The UK’s Alzheimer’s Society has come to similar conclusions, and believes that certain activities, including knitting, can enable the brain to develop reserve brain connections that can delay dementia.

Well now you can justify all that stuff you buy. No need for excuses, you have a valid reason. "Oh no pet, I'm not wasting money, I'm staving off demenentia"!

I got this information from Coats Craft website. There are some great free knitting, crochet, cross stitch and sewing patterns there.

Another good site I found lots of good stuff on was
All About You. It has some really good free knitting patterns in the craft section.

I especially liked this little girl's cardi. I can see I'll be knitting it for Lauren. There's a long sleeved
version too.

16 comments:

  1. ... will blogging qualify? You know it takes a LOT of memory to remember which keys to click on ... Chuckle! TTFN ~Marydon

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  2. I hate to laugh 'cause dementia is nothing to sneeze at. My wife's father ended up with alzheimers and it is sad. I suppose, though, if knitting does that for a person with dementia, it might do some good for ordinary people who might not be up to par in other ways. One wheel short of a wagon is rough hauling. I really enjoyed your post and since our four girls knit and my wife used to knit, but quit after two times with breast cancer, I will have to have them look at your post too.

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  3. Well I can't knit, I tried, even took a few lessons, but I do crochet, hope it works. I think after I have my cataract surgery I might be crocheting again. By the way, Abe thinks crocheting is knitting, I don't have the heart to tell him, it's two different things entirely. LOL Our daughters also crochet. They do cross stitching, scrap booking, all sorts of crafts. Me I just like the crocheting. LOL And playing games on my computer.

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  4. I think blogging qualifys.
    Patsy

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  5. I only crochet, so I hope that works as well as knitting. I learned to knit years ago and I mean many years ago, but enjoy crocheting so much better. So never went back to knitting. I don't even know how to put the yarn on the needles anymore. So I guess I will stick to my crocheting for now.

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  6. That is good news! I enjoy it and love to stay busy. The sweater you chose to knit is really going to be pretty. Can't wait to see it.

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  7. Just what I need! Another excuse to buy more yarn. Pretty soon I'll have to move into my own apartment-the yarn is taking over just about every space here.

    Thanks for sharing this wonderful news.

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  8. I'll keep at it then Winifred. Loved the pattern, may have to have a go at that. I have grand-daughters who are still young enough to wear hand-knitteds! A x

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  9. Brill post...gonna sho hubby too...justifies the money I just spent on charts and scrapbooking materials lol
    Phew...life saver hehe

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  10. Now I know why my mum has a better memory than I do. I can;t know to save my life. Maybe I should take it up ...

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  11. Good to know! I took it up because it also helps lower blood pressure (or at least that was one reason) and I know for a fact it helps me from going bonkers whenever I have to sit around for any length of time waiting. Glad to have another excuse, ahem, reason to buy yarn!

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  12. Winifred, That is good news for you knitters and as you say, a perfect excuse for buying lots of wool.

    I quilted for a few years then got burned out I guess I had better start up again and start using some of the thousands of yards of fabric that is taking up space in the guest bedroom chests and armoire.

    I am sure there is a benefit to knitting, etc. My grandmother knitted, sewed, crocheted, needlepoint and tapestry. I used to tell her she had a memory like an elephant because she never forgot anything. I can't say that about myself. I think I have always been semi-demented. I will try to mend my ways :) We must also exercise our bodies or they too will fail.
    Oh, I almost forgot I heard drinking coffee is good for the memory my husband was happy about that he loves a few cups of coffee a day. His memory is incredible unless it is something he doesn't choose to remember.

    Happy knitting!

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  13. Me again Winifred. Excuse my ignorance but how did you go about creating a second and third blog? A x

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  14. I'm sure blogging qualifies. I think anything where you have to think about what you're doing, plan, keep track, check, maybe correct now and again keeps your brain going.

    It's so great to have an excuse, no that's not right a valid reason for buying wool, fabric etc. What frightens me is when I go through the cupboards and find something that I can't remember buying!

    That little girls cardi pattern looked quite an easy one so once I've finished Michelle's cross stitch and my lace shawl, I'll give it a go.

    I'll email you about creating additional blogs Anne.

    I'm so glad about the coffee, I saw that on telly and felt relieved about it after all the years they've said it's bad for you.

    My biggest worry is about Simvastatin the wonder drug of the western world! The government here seem obsessed with stuffing us with high doses of this drug to reduce our cholesterol despite the side effects which include loss of memory. I know I'm being naughty but I'm going to reduce my dosage. I argued with the doctor about it because the phamaceutical company instructions suggested half the dose the government want us to take.

    Oh I feel another posting coming on!

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  15. That is good news! I've 3 knitting projects waiting to be finished and I keep procrastinating...waiting for that perfect time slot. I'm afraid to knit on the go...for fear of making a mistake. I think my mistake is simply 'waiting'. grin. Thanks for the lovely post. Inspiring...and the 2nd I've read today along this line.

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  16. I've taken up SERIOUS crossword puzzling hoping it will help.

    I wish I had more expertise at knitting.

    ~hippo hugs~

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