Get Moving to Lower Risk for Dementia

Evidence is stacking up that by moving more, older adults can enjoy better health and quality of life for longer.  But new research has discovered that a sedentary lifestyle may increase the risk of developing dementia as much as seen in people with a genetic predisposition to cognitive impairment.

According to a recent report in the Huffington Post, researchers from McMaster University found that regular moderate exercise, such as walking at least three times a week, can have a significant impact on brain health.

A five-year study of 1,646 adults over the age of 65 analyzed participant’s blood for apolipoprotein E allele, the gene most associated with dementia.  None of the study participants had any cognitive impairment at the beginning of the study but upon follow-up five years later, 331 people had received a diagnosis of some form of dementia.   Analysis of data collected found that those who reported they did no regular exercise had nearly twice the odds of developing dementia.  Carriers of the gene are more likely to develop dementia however, a sedentary lifestyle was found to dramatically increase the risk for non-carriers.

This large study is good news for older adults who may be able to reduce their risk for dementia with regular moderate exercise.  Further study is hoped to uncover what type of exercise would best lower the odds for developing dementia or slowing the progression of the disease.  Besides walking, exercises such as swimming or cycling may help older adults prevent or slow the rate of dementia.

Brain games and other mental activities may be good for cognitive health but research is finding that perhaps the best thing you can do for better brain health in older age is to get moving.  Walking briskly for 45 minutes, 3 times a week can do wonders for the brain as well as cardiovascular health and overall function and mobility.  To read more about the study follow this link to the McMaster Daily News.