Dementia represents a significant public health issue, particularly given the absence of a cure at present. Consequently, the scientific community is persistently engaged in efforts to discover dietary and lifestyle modifications that may lower the risk of developing this condition.

A study featured in the Journal of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine offered compelling evidence on this matter. It demonstrated that even a small amount of daily physical activity can lead to a substantial reduction in the risk of dementia, potentially by nearly fifty percent.

Duration of exercise

The researchers conducted an evaluation involving 90,000 adults, who were equipped with wrist accelerometers to monitor their levels of physical activity.

Significantly, the results indicated that engaging in just 35 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, or even a mere 5 minutes of activity among older individuals, could lead to a remarkable 41% reduction in the risk of developing dementia. This study calls into question the previously accepted guideline of 150 minutes of weekly physical activity for maintaining optimal brain health, suggesting instead that 'some is better than nothing.'

Amal Wanigatunga, the lead author, stated, “Our findings indicate that even a modest increase in physical activity, such as five minutes per day, can lower dementia risk in older adults. This contributes to a growing body of evidence supporting the notion that any amount of exercise is beneficial, particularly concerning an age-related disorder affecting the brain for which there is currently no cure.”

The researchers monitored the participants over several years and discovered that the risk of dementia diminished as exercise levels increased, underscoring the numerous advantages of physical activity for brain health.

According to their findings, individuals who exercised for 36 to 70 minutes per week experienced a 60% lower risk, while those who engaged in 71 to 140 minutes per week saw a 63% reduction. The most significant benefits were noted in those who exercised for over 140 minutes per week, resulting in a 69% decrease in risk.

More about Dementia

Dementia is a neurodegenerative condition that typically manifests with advancing age, resulting in a decline in cognitive abilities. It impacts various functions, including memory, language skills, and the ability to perform daily activities. The accumulation of detrimental plaques within the brain plays a significant role in the development of this disorder. As a progressive illness, dementia's symptoms tend to deteriorate over time, ultimately resulting in death. Given the absence of a cure, researchers are continuously exploring lifestyle modifications that may help to decelerate the progression of the disease and enhance the overall quality of life for those affected.

Read Also: 7 Unexpected Benefits of Wall Squats & How to Master Them

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!