Ditch that crossword and take a walk if you want to beat dementia
- People in their seventies who walked several times a week had less brain shrinkage
- Research implies it is never too late to benefit from exercise
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Forget the crossword – going for a walk may be better insurance against developing dementia, say researchers.
A study has found physical exercise, rather than mind-stretching activities, offers the best protection against excessive shrinking of the brain in later life.
Research suggests that brain shrinkage may lead to problems with memory and thinking – key symptoms of dementia.
Exercising in old age may protect the brain
Previous studies have found regular exercise can cut the risk of developing dementia by a third, while others suggest keeping mentally active with crosswords, playing cards and computer work.
Study author Alan Gow, from the University of Edinburgh, said the research provided objective evidence that exercise is critical for brain health.
He added: ‘People in their seventies who participated in more physical exercise, including walking several times a week, had less brain shrinkage and other signs of ageing in the brain than those who were less physically active.
'On the other hand, our study showed no real benefit to participating in mentally and socially stimulating activities on brain size, as seen on MRI scans, over the three-year time frame.’
Altogether, 638 Scottish people born in 1936 who had been involved in a long-term study of ageing took part in the research.
They were asked to fill in questionnaires aged 70 and were given MRI scans at 73.
They also recorded any socially and mentally stimulating activities they did.
The study, published in the journal Neurology, found that after three years those doing more exercise had less brain shrinkage than those who exercised minimally.
They also had larger volumes of grey matter in the brain, showing that fewer brain cells had died.
Professor James Goodwin, head of research at Age UK, which supported the study, said: ‘This research reemphasises that it really is never too late to benefit from exercise, so whether it’s a brisk walk to the shops, gardening or competing in a fun run it is crucial that, those of us who can, get active as we grow older.’
Dr Simon Ridley, head of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: ‘While we can’t say that exercise is the causal factor in this study, we do know that exercise in middle age can lower the risk of dementia later in life.’
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