The Link Between Physical Activity/Exercise and Dementia Maintaining a regular exercise routine is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of dementia of all the lifestyle changes studied. Studies show that aerobic exercise, which raises your heart rate, improves thinking and memory, and reduces rates of dementia in middle-aged and older adults.
What is Physical Activity?
The definition of physical activity or exercise can vary, but the American College of Sports Medicine defines physical activity as any bodily movement produced by the contraction of skeletal muscles that significantly increases caloric expenditure relative to the resting state. Exercise is a form of planned, structured and repetitive physical activity, carried out with the aim of improving or maintaining physical fitness.
Preventing Cognitive Decline Studies show that the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer's, vascular dementia or dementia in general can be reduced regardless of the intensity or type of physical activity practiced. Furthermore, increased physical activity among the elderly can prevent dementia and even improve symptoms in diagnosed cases, including psycho-emotional aspects such as depression and behavioral symptoms.
Research presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference has revealed that older people who engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity have a significantly lower risk of developing dementia compared to inactive adults. These results reinforce the importance of exercising to mitigate the negative effects of aging on cognitive function.
Psychoemotional Benefits of Physical Activity In addition to the cognitive effects, exercise also helps reduce emotional and behavioral symptoms associated with dementia. Symptoms such as depression, anxiety and agitation can be alleviated through exercise, which stimulates the release of endorphins and reduces levels of stress hormones such as cortisol.
Studies also show that physical activity improves sleep quality and promotes feelings of well-being. Exercising outdoors, for example, can be even more effective, helping to reduce stress and increase energy levels. For people with conditions like bipolar disorder, exercise has been shown to consistently improve mood.
Additional Benefits Regular physical activity also offers benefits to overall physical health, such as a reduced risk of osteoporosis and sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass with aging). Additionally, exercise programs can help manage the risk of falls, which is a common concern among older adults.
Research shows that high-intensity exercise improves cognitive performance, while moderate-intensity aerobic activity can improve short-term memory. Even a single strength training session can have positive effects on memory for up to 48 hours.
Conclusion: Dementia is a type of brain disease that causes a gradual, long-term decline in thinking ability and memory, compromising functionality in everyday life. This condition affects 36 million people worldwide, with approximately 10% of the population developing dementia during their lifetime.
The good news is that dementia is preventable, and there is a growing body of research that shows this. All studies highlight the importance of changing eating habits, increasing exercise levels and investing in mental training. Aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises are especially effective in preventing and slowing the progression of dementia.
If you're looking for a practical solution to incorporate more physical activity into your routine, explore our line of home fitness equipment. The combination of aerobic and resistance exercises is ideal for achieving effective and affordable results right from the comfort of your home. Discover how our products can help you maintain a healthy body and mind, promoting active and healthy aging.
Invest in your health today and discover the lasting benefits of an active lifestyle with Tag&Get!
What is Physical Activity?
The definition of physical activity or exercise can vary, but the American College of Sports Medicine defines physical activity as any bodily movement produced by the contraction of skeletal muscles that significantly increases caloric expenditure relative to the resting state. Exercise is a form of planned, structured and repetitive physical activity, carried out with the aim of improving or maintaining physical fitness.
Preventing Cognitive Decline Studies show that the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer's, vascular dementia or dementia in general can be reduced regardless of the intensity or type of physical activity practiced. Furthermore, increased physical activity among the elderly can prevent dementia and even improve symptoms in diagnosed cases, including psycho-emotional aspects such as depression and behavioral symptoms.
Research presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference has revealed that older people who engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity have a significantly lower risk of developing dementia compared to inactive adults. These results reinforce the importance of exercising to mitigate the negative effects of aging on cognitive function.
Psychoemotional Benefits of Physical Activity In addition to the cognitive effects, exercise also helps reduce emotional and behavioral symptoms associated with dementia. Symptoms such as depression, anxiety and agitation can be alleviated through exercise, which stimulates the release of endorphins and reduces levels of stress hormones such as cortisol.
Studies also show that physical activity improves sleep quality and promotes feelings of well-being. Exercising outdoors, for example, can be even more effective, helping to reduce stress and increase energy levels. For people with conditions like bipolar disorder, exercise has been shown to consistently improve mood.
Additional Benefits Regular physical activity also offers benefits to overall physical health, such as a reduced risk of osteoporosis and sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass with aging). Additionally, exercise programs can help manage the risk of falls, which is a common concern among older adults.
Research shows that high-intensity exercise improves cognitive performance, while moderate-intensity aerobic activity can improve short-term memory. Even a single strength training session can have positive effects on memory for up to 48 hours.
Conclusion: Dementia is a type of brain disease that causes a gradual, long-term decline in thinking ability and memory, compromising functionality in everyday life. This condition affects 36 million people worldwide, with approximately 10% of the population developing dementia during their lifetime.
The good news is that dementia is preventable, and there is a growing body of research that shows this. All studies highlight the importance of changing eating habits, increasing exercise levels and investing in mental training. Aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises are especially effective in preventing and slowing the progression of dementia.
If you're looking for a practical solution to incorporate more physical activity into your routine, explore our line of home fitness equipment. The combination of aerobic and resistance exercises is ideal for achieving effective and affordable results right from the comfort of your home. Discover how our products can help you maintain a healthy body and mind, promoting active and healthy aging.
Invest in your health today and discover the lasting benefits of an active lifestyle with Tag&Get!