When not writing, he was reading voraciously or playing the flute to professional standard.

ECONOMIST: Historical biography

He was reading or drawing or playing with something.

BBC: Yaseen Ali Ege

But it has been adopted by students who engage in intellectual pursuits like playing chess or reading history as they sip their pulque.

BBC: The return of Mexico��s national nectar

At the same time, social and intellectual activities such as visiting family and friends, reading, playing intellectually stimulating games or learning a new language did nearly nothing to ward off the symptoms of an aging brain, the study said.

WSJ: Exercise Might Beat Puzzles for Protecting the Aging Brain

The best way to prevent dementia is to keep the mind active, whether it's by reading books, doing crossword puzzles, playing sudoku, or participating in other creative endeavors, says Kennedy.

CNN: Study: Ginkgo doesn't cut dementia risk