New research finds just 20 minutes of exercise per day reduces the risk of dementia – even if you start later in life
We’ve long known that exercise can improve our physical health and our mental health. Now scientists have found a significant link between daily movement and much lower chances of developing dementia.
The study looked at the brains of over 400 deceased participants. They had passed away between the ages of 70 and 80, and had agreed to be part of the Rush Memory and Ageing Project. The study had also tracked their physical activity levels in the later stages of their life.
Researchers found that the participants who had been active during their daily lives as they got older had higher levels of a protein that prevents dementia symptoms by strengthening communication between brain cells.
ADVERTISEMENT
So, what kind of exercise do we need to be doing, and for how long? The researchers concluded that 20 minutes per day is all that is needed to lower our dementia risk. This is true whether you’re young or old, and even if you’re already experiencing signs of dementia.
When it comes to the exercise itself, they recommended finding something that you enjoy. Even light intensity exercise counts! It could be as simple as a walk or a run, or you can mix it up with many different types of exercise through the week.
