Gaby
A team of researchers from Johns Hopkins University (USA) has detailed the connection between physical activity and the likelihood of developing dementia. The researchers emphasized that it takes less exercise than previously thought to significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
It turns out that just 35 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise each week is associated with a 41 percent reduction in the risk of developing dementia.
The team also found other encouraging results. Even the oldest among us can lower their chances of dementia by increasing their weekly activity. Even a few minutes of exercise each week can have a protective effect on brain health.
“Our results showed that increasing physical activity by even five minutes a day can reduce the risk of dementia in older adults,” said epidemiologist Amal Vanigatunga, the lead author of the study.
How Was the Study Conducted?
The researchers analyzed data from 89,667 adults, with an average age of 63. Over more than four years, the scientists recorded health information from volunteers using activity trackers on their wrists.
The team noted which participants later developed dementia and linked this data to their physical activity, as reported by Science Alert.
The results indicated that compared to those who did not exercise at all, the risk of dementia was 60 percent lower in participants who engaged in physical activity for 36-70 minutes per week, and 63 percent lower in those who dedicated 71-140 minutes to exercise.
For those who spent 140 minutes or more on physical activity each week, the risk of developing dementia decreased by 69 percent. These findings confirmed previous research conclusions that exercise and brain health are closely related.
The team stressed that anyone at any stage of life can benefit from any level of additional exercise.
The team needs more research to understand why this connection exists. However, it makes sense that a healthier body leads to a healthier brain. Previous studies have already shown that exercise increases the size of brain regions associated with learning and memory.
According to Dr. Vanigatunga, a little exercise is better than none, especially when it comes to “age-related diseases that affect the brain and are currently untreatable.”
The study’s results were published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association.
