Daily ritual can reduce risk of dementia risk by 20 percent, experts reveal
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Dementia, affecting nearly a million individuals across the UK, is a syndrome associated with a decline in brain function. The most prevalent forms are Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.
The syndrome can manifest through memory loss, diminished mental sharpness, judgement, and thinking speed, as well as alterations in mood, movement, and the ability to perform daily tasks.
However, experts suggest that one way to lower the risk of developing dementia is by maintaining regular physical activity.
Alzheimer's UK highlights that research on middle-aged or older adults indicates that exercise can lead to enhancements in cognitive abilities and memory, along with "reduced rates of dementia".
Indeed, studies have demonstrated that those who engage in consistent exercise could be up to 20 per cent less likely to develop dementia compared to inactive individuals, reports Surrey Live.
"Sustaining physical activity throughout midlife also seems to have the best effect on reducing dementia risk," the organisation notes.
One particular study found that older adults who were least physically active had over double the risk of developing Alzheimer's compared to their more active counterparts.
A recent study conducted by researchers at University College London, which was published earlier this year, delved into health data from over 450 individuals tracked since their birth in 1946.
This research examined the influence of physical activity patterns across three decades on brain health at age 70.
Research has revealed that physical activity, particularly before the age of 50, is associated with a larger hippocampus - the brain region primarily linked to memory.
Those who maintained an active lifestyle were less likely to experience cognitive decline, even if they exhibited key markers of Alzheimer's disease.
"Our findings show that staying active throughout your life, especially before turning 50, can help keep your brain healthy and delay early signs of Alzheimer's. This is especially true for women," stated the study's lead author, Dr Sarah-Naomi James.
Alzheimer's UK recommends choosing enjoyable activities or using workout videos for motivation to increase exercise levels.
The organisation also suggests using wearable devices like fitness tracker watches, or smartphone apps like the NHS Couch to 5K to monitor progress, and participating in group activities such as hiking, which it describes as a "great way to connect and interact with people".
"Being active doesn't have to involve going to the gym or running a marathon. You are more likely to do regular physical activity if you find things you enjoy doing," explained Alzheimer's Research UK.
The charity also advised being active every day and trying not to sit for extended periods. It added: "If you have to, then break it up with movement or activity of any kind."
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