A new study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that as little as 35 minutes of exercise per week can reduce the chance of dementia over a four-year timespan by an impressive 41%. The researchers discovered that even people who aren’t used to physical exertion at all can benefit from a small amount of movement.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Amal Wanigatunga, emphasizes that any extra movement counts, regardless of intensity or duration. The participants in the study who engaged in 25-60 minutes of exercise per week saw a 60% reduction in risk, while those who did 70-130.9 minutes per week experienced a 63% lower risk, and those who exercised for over 140 minutes achieved a 69% lower risk.
Currently, nearly 7 million adults in the US have dementia, with about 1 in 9 Americans age 65 and older affected by the disease. A healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, can significantly reduce this risk. The researchers found that physical activity enhances neuroplasticity, improves blood flow to the brain, and is associated with increased brain volume.
The good news is that any type of activity that raises your heart rate will do the trick. This includes structured exercise as well as short bursts of movement throughout the day. For example, taking the stairs instead of the elevator or briskly walking the dog can contribute to a lower dementia risk.
In addition to reducing dementia risk, regular physical activity has numerous benefits for brain health, including improved cognitive function, emotional balance, and hearing. The researchers stress that staying physically active is essential for maintaining cognitive abilities and overall well-being.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/study-says-doing-one-thing-140200915.html