- The absence of effective treatments for dementia underscores the importance of strategies, including maintaining a healthy lifestyle, to attenuate the risk factors for dementia.
- Studies have shown that higher physical activity levels and lower sedentary behaviors could reduce the risk of dementia. However, such studies have generally relied on self-reports with limited accuracy.
- A recent study using accelerometers to accurately measure physical activity levels showed that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and daily steps, but not light physical activity and sitting, were associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline in older women.
- This study highlights the need for at least moderate-intensity physical activity, including moderate-intensity daily steps, to reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
A recent study published in the journal
Dr. Raphael Wald, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist at Baptist Health Marcus Neuroscience Institute, said: “This is a way of further confirming what we already knew while stressing the importance of moderate to vigorous exercise. The study also shows that there is no real cap on the cognitive gains that can be had from physical activity. The more you can safely do the more it decreases your risk for cognitive decline.”
Pending replication in subsequent studies, the quantification of the number of daily steps associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline could help develop public health guidelines. Dr. Wald added, “I think this…
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