Brain disease discovery

PHYSICAL activity and mental stimulation could delay the onset of Huntington's disease, Melbourne researchers have found in a world-first study.
Huntington's disease is a genetic disorder that destroys brain cells, leads to dementia and reduces liftespan. It affects one in 10,000 people and there is no cure.
The study by researchers at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute - published in the journal Movement Disorders - involved surveying 154 people with the disease from Australia and New Zealand.
Lead researcher Professor Martin Delatycki said those who spent more time on passive activities that lacked physical or mental challenge, such as watching television or working in a desk-bound and menial job, were diagnosed four years earlier than their peers.
''People with a genetic predisposition to the disease could significantly delay its onset by minimising passive activities and ensuring they incorporate physical and intellectual activity in their daily lives,'' he said.
He suggested crosswords, sudoku, quizzes and reading as ways to keep the brain ticking