Move more, forget less: 6 big benefits of physical activity for dementia prevention and support

Physical activity offers a wide range of health benefits, from keeping your weight loss goals in check to reducing the risk of heart disease. Research suggests that exercise also plays a vital role in dementia prevention and management. A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine explains the relationship between physical activity levels and mortality among people with dementia. The researchers found that sustained physical activity before and after diagnosis was linked to a lower mortality risk.

Additionally, according to a study conducted by the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, published in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), long-term, regular exercise has significant benefits for cognition and dementia risk. The research suggests that consistent physical activity may help slow brain ageing and increase resilience to neurodegenerative mechanisms that contribute to dementia progression. Exercise also supports brain health by reducing the impact of atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease, which is a common cause of vascular dementia.

Here are 6 key benefits of physical activity in fighting dementia:

• Reduces dementia risk: Engaging in regular physical activity can lower the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, by improving brain health and reducing inflammation.

• Boosts brain function: Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, boosting cognitive function, enhancing memory, and supporting your brain health. This may help delay the onset of dementia.

• Lowers heart disease risk: Physical activity promotes cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart disease, which is linked to an increased risk of developing dementia.

• Improves mood and mental health: Regular exercise can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, common in people with dementia, by stimulating the release of mood-enhancing chemicals like endorphins.

• Maintains physical independence: For those already diagnosed with dementia, exercise can help maintain physical mobility, strength, and independence, reducing the likelihood of falls and injury.

• Supports long-term well-being: Exercise can significantly improve long-term health outcomes. Starting physical activity after a dementia diagnosis could reduce mortality risk by 20 percent or more.