IT IS the news that every middle-aged man with a middle-aged girth has been waiting for: spending more time in the pub could actually be good for your brain.

Researchers from University College London have found that while a drink with your friends may be bad for your waistline, it could be good for your mind.

In a study due to be published this month, they report on a direct link between the social aspects of going to the pub and improved verbal and numerical ability. This contrasts starkly with more restrained activities such as gardening and painting which, the study found, had no benefit to the mind at all.

Psychologists from the university’s Department of Epidemiology and Public Health analysed information on 10,000 civil servants of all grades working in London.

They were questioned on their leisure activities and underwent detailed cognitive tests to measure memory and language skills, as well as verbal and numerical reasoning. The results, which were standardised to account for age and social class, were examined for connections between mental ability and the way that people spent their leisure time.

The researchers found that the best way to help the mind was by regular cultural visits to theatres, art galleries and stately homes. This was closely followed by reading and listening to music. Involvement in clubs and voluntary organisations were also highly beneficial, as were taking part in courses and evening classes.

But, perhaps controversially, the study, which will be published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, found that even lesser social activities, like going to the pub, could be good for the mind. The authors, however, emphasise their study looked at social aspects alone and not the effect of beer on the brain.

Archana Singh-Manoux, the study’s lead author, said: “It may be that old saying, use it or loose it. What we found is intellectual activity is linked closely with cognitive ability.

“Within this, social activity is important. However, we would stress it is social activity alone rather than anything else associated with going to the pub which we examined.”

Dr Singh-Manoux said that the next stage of the research would look at how the cognitive powers of the study’s participants changed over time and whether that was associated with their leisure activities.

“It is well established that older people who remain active and involved tend to have higher cognitive ability,” she said. “We are interested to study whether any types of particular leisure activity enhance this over time.”

Explore Health News

• Swine flu

Times Recommends

• Should Knox’s trial even have reached the courtroom?
• All that glitters is not sold in Wright’s world
• Believe it or not, Big Brother is your friend