Exercise effects on dementia

A new study has shed light on a benefit of exercise that may be interesting to you, especially for older adults.  Research by Eric B. Larson, MD, and colleagues published in the January 17 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine found that older adults who exercised at least 3 times per week were less likely to develop dementia than those who were less active.

The study participants were 65 or older with normal mental function at the beginning of the study.  They were followed for 6 years.  Of the 1,740 subjects, 158 developed dementia, including 107 who developed Alzheimer's disease. Statistically, the annual rate of dementia was 13.0 per 1,000 person-years for people who exercised 3 or more times per week, compared with 19.7 per 1,000 person-years for those who exercised fewer than 3 times per week.  Exercise was measured by self-reported frequency, and the study population had a relatively high proportion of regular exercisers at baseline, note researchers.

Source Ideafit

Bottom line, according to study authors: "These results suggest that regular exercise is associated with a delay in onset of dementia and Alzheimer disease, further supporting its value for elderly persons."