Dementia is now the leading cause of death in Australia.About 446,000 people currently live with a brain condition that may affect their memory, thinking and behaviour. And this number is projected to almost double by 2065.That sounds frightening, especially as we age or watch loved ones get older. But dementia risk isn't just the result of genetics, old age or bad luck.Rather, research suggests up to 40% of dementia cases worldwide may be linked to lifestyle factors we can change. One of these may be what hobbies you have.So why are hobbies good for the mind? And which ones will help keep your brain sharp?Understanding dementia riskThe latest Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention and care pooled data from many large studies around the world.It identified 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia at different stages of life. This means if you avoid or reduce these factors, you may be less likely to have dementia in older age.The 14 factors include:
less education in early life
hearing loss
lack of exercise
obesity
