Study finds even small amounts of exercise decrease risks for dementia
By Liberty Gilbert
Kentucky Health News
A new study has found that people can lower their risk for dementia through exercise and, the more exercise, the lower the risk.
While the risks for dementia increase with age, studies have suggested that lifestyle changes, including physical activity, can reduce the risk of dementia.
“Participants in the lowest activity category, ranging from one to 34.9 minutes per week, had an apparent risk reduction of about 41%,” said the release.
More exercise led to more success. The researchers found dementia risks were 60% lower in participants in the 35 to 69.9 minutes of physical activity/week category; 63% lower in the 70 to 139.9 minutes/week category; and 69% lower in the 140 and over minutes/week category.
People striving for a healthier lifestyle and a lower dementia risk don’t have to exercise excessively to achieve their goals. Physical activity can include a brisk walk, cleaning, gardening, cooking and even washing the dishes, according to the Alzheimer’s Society.
The researchers note that the minimum amount of exercise needed to reduce the risk of dementia significantly isn’t fully clear. They also recognize that the recommended 20 minutes per day is not attainable by many people with dementia.
But even with these limitations, the researchers point to the 41% reduction of dementia risk among those who had the lowest activity category as a reason for people to do what they can to keep moving, even among patients who are considered frail.
Wanigatunga said, “This suggests that even frail or nearly frail older adults might be able to reduce their dementia risk through low-dose exercise.”
Liberty Gilbert is a student at the University of Kentucky College of Communications and Information and a spring intern for the Institute for Rural Journalism in the School of Journalism and Media at the University of Kentucky, which publishes Kentucky Health News with support from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.
Kentucky Health News is an independent news service of the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, based in the School of Journalism and Media at the University of Kentucky, with support from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.
