Experts give exact age that you should exercise more in order to help prevent dementia
Experts think they have figured out the age at which we should start to exercise more in an attempt to reduce the risk of dementia.
Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of progressive disorders that can affect the brain, and according to the NHS, it usually affects those over the age of 65.
However, we only need to look at the example of a man in Australia who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's at just 41, to realise that the condition can potentially strike a lot earlier as well.
Exercise of both the brain and the body is often a fantastic way to try and avoid medical problems in later life.
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And previous research suggested that around 13 percent of Alzheimer's disease cases globally could be linked to a lack of exercise.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 'at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity per week (or the equivalent vigorous activity) for all adults'.
In a study, which has been published in the Alzheimer's & Dementia journal, scientists tracked 337 cognitively unimpaired adults 'to assess changes in activity over a four-year period and neuroimaging tests to analyse the effects of exercise on brain structure and function'.
The experts at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health and the Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Centre found that those who increased their activity levels to around two and a half hours a week, between the ages of 45 and 65, were less likely to have the toxic protein amyloid spread to their brains.
Dr Eider Arenaza-Urquijo, the lead author behind the study, said: "These findings reinforce the importance of promoting physical activity in middle age as a public health strategy for Alzheimer's prevention.
"Interventions aimed at promoting increased physical activity could be key to reducing the incidence of the disease in the future."
The scientists also found that those who exercised more had a thicker brain in the area associated with memory, which again is a good sign, given that memory loss is one of the most common symptoms of dementia.
Dr Müge Akıncı, an expert in Alzheimer's and the co-author of the study, added: "Even those who did less physical activity than recommended had greater cortical thickness than sedentary people, suggesting that any amount of exercise, no matter how minimal, has health benefits."
This is just one of many studies which suggest that inactivity simply isn't good for the body and the brain. So if you've been relying on your daily sudoku attempts to keep your brain healthy, then this is your sign to get moving as well.
If you've been affected by dementia or Alzheimer's and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact the Alzheimer’s Society via 0333 150 3456 or visit their website for more information.
Topics: Health
James Moorhouse