Exercise and dementiaOlder adult who regularly walk fro exercise may help lower their risk of vascular dementia, the second most common form of this disorder after Alzheimer’s disease.
In group of 749 adults who were 65 years of age or older, Italian researchers found that those who regularly walked or got other forms of moderate exercise were less likely to develop vascular dementia over the next four years.
Compared with their sedentary counterparts, active adults had about one quarter the risk of developing vascular dementia. Vascular dementia is caused by an impaired blood flow to the brain.
Blockages that narrow the blood vessels supplying the brain or complete blockages that cause a stroke, may also lead to vascular dementia.
People with conditions that damage blood vessels throughout the body – such as high blood pressure or diabetes – are also at increased risk. The new findings built on evidence that lifestyles habits are important in dementia risk.
A number of studies have suggested that the same habit s that are good for the heart such as a healthy diet and regular exercise – may benefit the ageing brain as well.
Exercise and dementia
