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    Exercise a Defense Against Dementia: Study

    HealthDay – Mon, Feb 13, 2012

    MONDAY, Feb. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Here's another reason to get into shape: Physical activity may reduce the risk of dementia-related death, according to a new study.

    Researchers assessed the health of more than 45,000 men and nearly 15,000 women, ages 20 to 88 years, in the United States and grouped them into one of three fitness categories -- low, middle or high.

    After an average follow-up of 17 years, about 4,050 participants died. Of those deaths, 164 were attributed to dementia (72 vascular dementia and 92 Alzheimer's disease). Of those 164 deaths, 123 of the people were in the low-fitness group, 23 were in the middle-fitness group, and 18 were in the high-fitness group.

    People in the high- and medium-fitness groups had less than half the risk of dying as those in the low-fitness group, the researchers concluded.

    The study appears in the February issue of the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.

    "These findings support physical-activity promotion campaigns by organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association and should encourage individuals to be physically active," study author Riu Liu said in a journal news release.

    "Following the current physical-activity recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine will keep most individuals out of the low-fit category and may reduce their risk of dying with dementia," Liu added.

    Liu conducted the study as part of her dissertation at the University of South Carolina. She is now a postdoctoral fellow at the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

    While deaths in the United States associated with heart disease, breast cancer and stroke have declined in recent years, deaths related to dementia and Alzheimer's rose 46 percent between 2002 and 2006, according to the release.

    The study doesn't prove that exercise will prevent dementia, however. Other factors may also come into play.

    More information

    The U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has more about dementia.

     

    5 comments

    • dddaley
      dddaley  •  3 mths ago
      Hummmm.... this article doesn't say if the exercise groups were distributed evenly by age. Are a higher percentage of young people in the middle to high fitness groups?
    • xnbiibw
      xnbiibw  •  3 mths ago
      It's Premack Principle: either you do some thing healthy for your body like exercise or your mind deteriorate further being idle; common sense. Something happening is taking up the time.
    • maxie
      maxie  •  Manila, Philippines  •  3 mths ago
      I think dementia, like other diseases is largely inherited. Physical and mental exercises, controlling weight, regular medical check ups and leading a basically healthy lifestyle may delay the onset of such diseases. But aging is something that can't be controlled and inevitably leads to all sorts of diseases inclucing cancer, dementia, heart disease, etc. Having good genes can coupled with a healthy lifestyle may extend lifespan significantly.
      • Kind
        Kind 3 mths ago
        Actually what you are saying is not entirely true. They are finding out more and more each day that heredity plays only a small part. How you live your life plays a huge part. A supremely healthy diet and daily exercise will keep a mind and body healthy longer. Dementia and diseases are not a given as one ages.
    • Imani
      Imani  •  3 mths ago
      As usual the report says it "may" help. My mother was physically active into her 70's,she ate well, was involved in community activities and she still developed a memory disorder. I think a lifetime of stress and later grief caused this problem for her. I don't believe these studies, everyone concerned about this issue should read "The Myth of Alzheimer's"
    • TallConnect.Com- Tall Dat ...
      TallConnect.Com- Tall Dat ...  •  Fremont, California  •  3 mths ago
      Life is sweeter when you have someone to share it with. Here to look for someone that shares similar interests and stature, somebody with a fun attitude who's ready to be taken on the ride of their life.

      Stanley
     Post a comment
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