Dementia is a syndrome characterized by the decline of cognitive functions, such as memory, language, motor control or reasoning. Although Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause, dementia can also be caused by injuries to the brain or other diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 55 million people worldwide suffered from dementia in 2021, with the syndrome being responsible for the loss of 1.8 million lives. This number is estimated to rise to over 150 million by 2050, making the prevention of dementia more important than ever.
How Exercise Protects The Brain
Although age and genetics play a role, certain lifestyle changes have been shown to reduce the risk of developing dementia; chief among them is an active lifestyle. Studies show that engaging in regular physical activity may significantly reduce a person's risk of developing dementia. This is because exercise not only offers many benefits to overall health, but also promotes brain health in multiple ways:
Boosting Neuroplasticity: Exercise increases the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that protects existing neurons and stimulates the growth of new ones in regions of the brain like the hippocampus. This is a vital region for memory and also one of the first ones to be damaged by dementia.
Improving Blood Flow: Aerobic exercise - also known as cardio - stimulates blood vessel growth in the brain, making it easier for it to receive all the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function properly.
Reducing Risk Factors: Physical activity also has the added benefit of managing conditions like diabetes, obesity and hypertension, which are risk factors for the development of dementia.
What You Can Do
Thankfully, it does not take being a professional athlete to look after your brain health! While a more rigorous exercise regimen usually yields the best results, simply going for a 40-minute walk 3 times per week has been shown to increase the size of the hippocampus and improve memory. Ideally, we should take a lifelong approach to dementia prevention, however, adopting a more active lifestyle may prove fruitful at all ages. New evidence suggests that even older adults (55 to 80 years old) and those who have already developed dementia may still benefit from exercise. It’s never too late to look after your brain health and every effort counts. By incorporating regular exercise into your routine, you can actively lower your risk of dementia and cognitive decline while also looking out for your physical health.
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