A new study from the University of Georgia finds that regular physical activity can slow cognitive decline in older adults. Researchers analyzed data from over 13,000 respondents and found that sustained physical activity reduces the rate of cognitive decline.
The study highlights the importance of maintaining regular physical activity throughout life. According to lead author Suhang Song, longer engagement in physical activity is associated with delayed cognitive decline. The researchers used data from the Health and Retirement Study, which followed adults aged 50 and older for 16 years.
Older adults who maintained regular physical activity experienced a noticeably slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those who did not. Modest improvements in physical activity frequency were still associated with a measurable slowing of cognitive decline. For example, increasing vigorous exercise from one to three times per month to once per week resulted in a slower decline over time.
The study suggests that promoting regular physical activity as part of dementia prevention could be crucial for reducing risk in older adults. By supporting the development of long-term physical activity habits with guidance from physicians and care providers, individuals can establish sustainable routines by setting achievable goals.
Source: https://www.technologynetworks.com/tn/news/regular-physical-activity-slows-cognitive-decline-in-older-adults-401494