Benefits of Exercise - Dementia (2)

More evidence of the positive effect of exercise delaying the onset of dementia is presented in a new study in (reference 10).

The study tracked 1740 people older than 65, who were not cognitively impared (they all scored above the 25th percentile on a cognitive ability screening test). During a six-year followup, 158 participants developed dementia; of them 107 developed Alzheimer disease. The study found that participants who exercised three or more times a week had a significantly lower chance of developing dementia. The Risk Ratio for people who exercised (compared to more sedentary participants) was 0.62 (Margin of Error between 0.44 and 0.86). This risk reduction applies both to all types of dementia, and seperately to Alzheimer's. In this context, exercise implied at least 15 minutes of walking, hiking, bicycling, aerobics, weight training, stretching, or other exercise. Exercise provided the greatest benefit for those who were in poor physical shape at the beginning of the study.

This, and other researched referenced therein, did not find a definitive connection between the intensity of the exercise and dementia prevention. Rather, the improvement in the general physical well-being resulting from moderate exercise, was correlated with the reduction in dementia.

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