Research conducted by Laurin, Verreault, and associates found that physical activity may be a potential inhibitor for cognitive decline and dementia among older adults.
In recent years, dementia has become a potential threat as one reaches the later years of their life. Unfortunately, there is little that is known about how to prevent it and its leading cause, Alzheimer disease.
The researchers analyzed data from the Canadian Study of Health and Aging; a community sample that included 9,008 randomly selected men and women ages 65 and older. Among these participants, 4,615 individuals completed the five-year follow up and participated in the longitudinal study. Variables such as education, sex, exercise (frequency and intensity), and age were collected. Of the variables, the only one that was shown to be associated with dementia was physical activity.
Individuals who engaged in any type of physical activity were found to be less likely to experience certain types of dementia. The study also found that those who engaged in moderate and high levels of physical activity were significantly less likely to develop any form of dementia. This relationship was strongest among women.
Although this study sheds some light on the mysteries of dementia, it is not scientifically proven that physical activity can play a protective role against cognitive disorders, although the researchers of this study argue that it may be an important factor.
Source: Laurin, D., Verreault, R., et al. Physical Activity and Risk of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Elderly Persons. Archieves of Neurology (2001) 53, 3. 498-504.
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