You know that exercise is good for you, but many people don’t realize just how important physical activity is for the brain. Recent studies suggest protecting your brain from dementia may be as simple as a walk in the park. Today we are going to discuss how to safeguard your brain from disease with exercise.
According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, dementia is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and more than 150 million people will be living with dementia by 2050. Dementia is an umbrella term for various brain diseases or conditions that negatively impact our thinking abilities.
Currently, there are no accessible and effective drug therapies to delay the onset, avoid progression, or treat any type of dementia. However, recent studies published by the journal Neurology show that exercise may help safeguard your brain from dementia as you age.
In fact, according to the Alzheimer’s Society, of all the lifestyle changes that have been studied, regular physical exercise appears to be one of the best things you can do to reduce your risk of getting dementia.
Physical activity does not always have to be an intense, demanding activity. Vigorous exercise seems to be best, but even non-traditional exercise, such as doing household chores, can offer a significant benefit and is just as effective at reducing the risk in those with a family history of dementia.
You can incorporate various traditional activities like lifting weights, playing sports, running on a treadmill, and non-traditional exercises to mix things up and make them fun. One study found that the risk of Alzheimer’s disease can be reduced just by performing daily physical tasks such as gardening, cooking, or cleaning. With so many great options to choose from, the best activity for you is whichever you enjoy the most.
When it comes to reaping the benefits of physical activity, it is never too late to start. Fitness significantly impacts cognitive function in middle age and senior years, and it can increase the number of years you live in good health. In addition to protecting brain function, strength training can also help protect your bones and prevent osteoporosis-related fractures as you age.
Long-term exercise (over months and years) is associated with a larger hippocampus, temporal lobe, and frontal lobe as you age—which are the regions vulnerable to dementia— according to a 2021 review published in Behavioral Brain Research. Evidence of smaller or atrophic hippocampal volume has been found in individuals with dementia.
Although risk factors increase with age, even in those with an average age of 85 and older, only 1 in 3 develop Alzheimer’s. Experts say dementia is not an inevitable part of aging, and by following recommendations like exercise, a healthy diet, and managing blood pressure, we can significantly reduce the risk.
If you’re looking to improve your health and start exercising, check out TRUE’s user-friendly residential bikes, residential treadmills, and strength equipment, or try out TRUE’s at-home workouts today! Using our equipment can help you safeguard your brain from disease with exercise.