Imagine a world where the colors of Picasso, the sounds of Beethoven, and the words of Goethe are the keys to a clear mind in old age. It may sound fantastic, but creative expression could actually play a crucial role in reducing the risk of dementia. In our fast-paced world today, where the risk of developing dementia increases year by year, approaches to foster creativity and social interaction are becoming increasingly important. Why not consider art as the savior of memories, following the saying: "Creativity is intelligence having fun"?

Dementia describes a group of symptoms that involve the decline of cognitiverelating to thinking functions, including memory loss and changes in thinking ability. While aging is a natural process, factors such as chronic isolation or excessive alcohol consumptionhigh consumption of alcoholic beverages are known to increase the risk of dementia. Fortunately, there are preventive measures that can delay the progression of this disease. Creative forms of expression, such as painting, dancing and making music, provide opportunities to stimulate the brain and promote social interactions that can help maintain mental fitness.

Artistic activities not only have the potential to calm the mind but also to enhance cognitive abilities. Studies show that social interactions and the sense of connection through creative endeavors can reduce the risk of dementia. Isolation and loneliness, on the other hand, can significantly increase the risk ^[1]. Participation in artistic activities can also counteract depression, which is a known risk factor for the development of dementia. Another important aspect is sleep: Good sleep quality not only preserves the halo of the singer but also maintains brain functionality, preventing cognitive dysfunctions ^[2].

Research findings indicate that chronic social isolation is a significant risk factor for dementia, as demonstrated in a study involving over 2,977 older adults ^[3]. It was observed that participants with a higher degree of social isolation had a 22% increased risk of developing dementia, although this risk was no longer significant after accounting for factors such as depression. Physical activity, e.g. going for a walk or joining workouts at a sports club, is a great opportunity to meet friends and other people. This study employed robust methods like the Cox proportional-hazard model. This strengthens the quality of the results.

Furthermore, an investigation of 5,224 residents in a community revealed that poor sleep quality is associated with an increased likelihood of cognitive impairments ^[2]. Models that considered various sleep variables confirmed that individuals who sleep less than six hours face a higher risk of cognitive dysfunctions. These methodological approaches underscore the importance of sleep quality in dementia prevention.

To reduce the risk of dementia, you should actively maintain social contacts and integrate creative hobbies such as painting, dancing or making music into your life. Regularly participate in artistic workshops or join a (sports-)group to avoid isolation ^[4]. Equally important is paying attention to good sleep hygiene and ensuring at least seven hours of sleep per night, as this is essential for maintaining cognitive function ^[2]. Finally, excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided, and regular medical check-ups should be conducted to identify potential risks early ^[5][6].

The connection between creativity and social interaction is a valuable approach to promoting mental health in old age. Adhering to these proven measures could not only help prevent dementia but also enhance overall well-being. By engaging in art and maintaining a healthy living environment, we can keep the brain fit and preserve unforgettable memories.