Recent research published in The Journal of the American Medical Directors Association and shared on various medical platforms reveals a significant connection between physical activity and dementia risk reduction. Even individuals with a heightened vulnerability to adverse health issues saw a lower risk of dementia with increased activity levels, as highlighted by the researchers. A recent study indicates that consuming a specific diet can enhance brain function and memory. The study found that higher levels of physical activity are linked to decreased dementia risk.
The research data shows promising results: participants engaging in 35-69.9 minutes of physical activity per week had a 60% lower risk of dementia, while those in the 70-139.9 minutes/week category had a 63% lower risk, and the 140-and-over minutes/week category showed a 69% lower risk. In their analysis, researchers examined a dataset of nearly 90,000 adults in the UK who utilized smartwatch-type activity trackers.
Lead author Dr. Amal Wanigatunga emphasized the importance of physical activity in reducing dementia risk among older adults. He pointed out that even minimal daily exercise, such as five minutes, can have a significant impact. The study aligns with the notion that any amount of physical activity is better than none, as supported by a growing body of evidence.
While Alzheimer’s disease affects millions worldwide, recent studies suggest that it may be preventable through lifestyle changes like managing cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels and increasing physical activity. The research also highlighted that engaging in light exercise for just five minutes a day could potentially lower the risk of dementia.
Participants in the study had a median age of 63, with women comprising 56% of the sample. Over a 4.4-year follow-up period, 735 individuals developed dementia. Notably, the research revealed a 4% reduction in dementia risk for every additional 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week.
The study underscored a significant finding that even minimal physical activity was beneficial compared to no activity at all. This implies that even older adults with frailty or near-frailty levels could potentially lower their dementia risk through light exercise. While the study did not establish a causal relationship between exercise and reduced dementia risk, its outcomes align with this hypothesis.
To explore more health-related articles, please visit www.foxnews.com/health. Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and senior medical analyst at Fox News, commended the study’s vital findings, emphasizing their importance for individuals seeking to mitigate their dementia risk.
Feeling frustrated and contemplating, ‘I am limited in my ability to engage in rigorous physical activity due to illness or disability, so what’s the point of doing any at all?’ A recent study indicates that even small amounts of exercise can be beneficial. “The positive impacts may also result from making healthier lifestyle choices,” noted a doctor in response to the study’s findings. Various mechanisms could account for this phenomenon, according to Siegel – “most notably, the increased blood flow to the brain, as well as the enhanced removal of metabolic waste and reduced inflammation.” Furthermore, he suggested, “This is likely connected to adopting healthier lifestyle habits that help reduce the risk of neuroinflammation, dysregulation, and plaque buildup that are characteristic of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease.” Such habits could encompass elements like sleep, diet, and cognitive engagement, Siegel added. The research was supported by funding from the National Institute on Aging.
