Which sports are best for the brain?

Regular exercise supports cognitive function and reduces the risk of dementia, but racket sports work best.

Sports such as tennis, badminton, table tennis, squash, paddle and pickleball are very useful for maintaining brain function, as they require simultaneous hand-eye coordination. This skill generally deteriorates with age, especially after 60.

"Your brain has to control your hand even when you can't see it, when the ball passes in front of you," explains occupational therapist Jennifer Packard for CNBC. "It's a great way to train your brain and your body."

Playing a team sport helps to maintain social ties, which are essential for health and longevity. Studies show that socialising and meeting new people improves your mood and increases your chances of living longer.

What's more, exercise doesn't have to be difficult to be useful and beneficial for our brains.

(MH with AnVa - Source : CNBC - Photo : © Unsplash)