Physical Exercise and Dementia

It has been found that physical exercise may encourage new brain cell growth and survival.

Results from several studies indicate that higher levels of physical exercise are associated with less cognitive decline in older people. Moreover, other studies have found that people who exercise experience a slower loss of brain tissue as they age. Lastly, regular aerobic exercise, in sessions of at least 30 minutes, have been found to be beneficial for cognitive health.

For those who have already developed dementia, physical exercise should be continued (if possible) as it can help prevent muscle weakness, mobility problems and other health complications associated with inactivity.

Reference:

Ashlskog, JE., et al. (2011). Physical exercise as a preventative or disease-modifying treatment of dementia and brain aging. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 86, 879 – 884.