Physical Activity Cuts Dementia Risk in Older People

Older people can reduce their chances of being a victim to dementia by indulging into regular physical activity. This link between regular physical exercise and reduced risk of dementia was established by the researcher at the University of Lisbon, Santa Maria Hospital in Portugal.

Dementia that initially appears as forgetfulness is actually a brain illness that affects memory, behavior and the ability to perform even common tasks. It mostly affects older people. About 70 percent of cases are believed to be caused by Alzheimer's. Most types of dementia are nonreversible. According to the World Health Organization, the dementia cases are expected to triple worldwide to 115.4 million by 2050.

The study claims that the risk of vascular related dementia dropped by 40 percent in older non disabled people who regularly engage in physical activity. The cognitive impairment also reduces by 60 percent.

According to the researcher, the protective effect of regular physical activity remained regardless of age, education, changes in the brain's white matter and even previous history of stroke or diabetes.

The findings are based on a prospective multinational European study that included yearly comprehensive cognitive assessments for three years. 

"We strongly suggest physical activity of moderate intensity at least 30 minutes three times a week to prevent cognitive impairment," said Ana Verdelho, M.D., lead author of the study and a neuroscience researcher at the University of Lisbon, Santa Maria Hospital in Portugal. "This is particularly important for people with vascular risk factors such as hypertension, stroke or diabetes."

For the study the researchers analyzed 639 people who belonged to the age group 60s and 70s. They noticed that nearly 55 percent were women and almost 64 percent were active at least 30 minutes by walking, biking or joining gym classes a day three times a week.

Researchers performed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests at the beginning and end of the study to gauge white matter changes in the brain, an indicator of possible cognitive decline.

"Damage of the cerebral white matter is implicated in cognitive problems including depression, walking difficulties and urinary complaints," Verdelho said. "White matter changes are very common in older people and mainly associated with vascular risk factors like hypertension and stroke.

The participants were also enquired about their depression, quality of life and performing everyday activities through phone interviews and clinical visits.

At the end of the study they observed that nearly 90 patients had dementia, including 54 with vascular dementia in which impaired blood flow to the brain causes cognitive decline, and 34 patients met criteria for Alzheimer's disease. Another 147 patients developed cognitive impairment, but not dementia.

The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise for optimal health.

The new study published in the American Heart Association Journal Stroke.