Engaging in acts of kindness for just a few hours each week might significantly slow memory decline and help prevent dementia, according to a groundbreaking study.

The research suggests that participating in activities like volunteering or offering assistance to friends and neighbors can reduce cognitive deterioration by up to 20 percent.

Scientists from the University of Texas at Austin conducted an extensive study over two decades, tracking the cognitive abilities of more than 30,000 Americans aged 51 and older. Their memory and thinking skills were assessed through regular telephone interviews.

Participants underwent three types of cognitive assessments: immediate memory, working memory, and mental processing speed. Higher scores across these tests indicated better brain health.

The study distinguished between two forms of helping behaviors: formal volunteering, such as engaging in charity or community service, and informal assistance, like providing unpaid support to friends, neighbors, or non-cohabitating relatives.

Findings revealed that individuals who participated in either form of helping behavior experienced cognitive decline at a rate 15 to 20 percent slower than those who did not engage in such activities.

The biggest benefit was seen in people who gave just two to four hours a week.

‘Everyday acts of support – whether organised or personal – can have lasting impact,’ said Dr Sae Hwang Han, Assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Sciences at the university, who led the research.

Helping others can help slow cognitive decline, helping people stave of dementia, study finds

He added: ‘What stood out to me was that the cognitive benefits of helping others weren’t just short–term boosts.

‘But [rather] cumulative over time with sustained engagement and these benefits were evident for both formal volunteering and informal helping.

‘Informal helping is sometimes assumed to offer fewer health benefits due to its lack of social recognition.

‘It was a pleasant surprise to find that it provides cognitive benefits comparable to formal volunteering.’

The findings build on earlier research led by Professor Han, which showed volunteering could counteract the harmful effects of chronic stress on inflammation – a biological process linked to cognitive decline and dementia.

In that earlier study, the protective effect of volunteering was strongest in people with higher levels of inflammation, suggesting those in poorer health may benefit the most.

As a result, Professor Han said older adults with suboptimal health ‘may be the ones to benefit from being provided with opportunities to help’.

The latest study, published in the journal Social Science & Medicine, defined formal volunteering by asking participants whether they had spent time in the previous 12 months doing unpaid work for religious, educational, health–related or charitable organisations.

Informal helping was assessed by asking whether they had spent time helping friends, neighbours or relatives they did not live with – and were not paid to assist.

Participants were also asked how much time they devoted to helping, including whether it amounted to more or less than 100 hours a year.

Researchers acknowledged a limitation of the study was the lack of detail about the specific activities people carried out.

The findings come as dementia cases continue to rise in the UK, with nearly one million Britons currently affected – a figure projected to reach 1.4 million by 2040.

While the condition has no cure, early diagnosis can help slow progression and manage symptoms, which include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood changes and problems following conversations.

Growing evidence suggests changes in vision, hearing, taste, touch and balance can appear years before classic symptoms.

Experts have also warned that problems with spatial awareness, such as standing too close to others, may emerge up to 20 years earlier.

According to the Alzheimer’s Society, dementia costs the UK £42 billion a year, with families shouldering much of the burden. That figure is expected to rise to £90 billion within 15 years.

Separate analysis by Alzheimer’s Research UK found 74,261 people died from dementia in 2022, up from 69,178 the previous year – making it the country’s single biggest killer.