Exercise and Dementia
Regular exercise can lower Alzheimer's risk by up to 50%. Here are the types of exercise shown to help protect brain health in older adults.
Two older adults resting after exercising together
Exercise and Dementia
According to the Alzheimer's Research & Prevention Foundation (United States), there are six things that can help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia:
- Regular exercise
- Social interaction
- A healthy diet
- Mental stimulation
- Adequate sleep
- Stress management
Regular physical exercise can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by up to 50 percent. Beyond that, exercise can also slow further decline in those who have already begun experiencing cognitive difficulties. Exercise protects against Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia by stimulating the brain's ability to maintain existing connections and form new ones.
There is no specific type of exercise that is recommended; the general guidance is to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. An ideal plan combines cardio training with strength training. Good activities for beginners include walking and swimming.
Building muscle also helps power brain function. Moderate-intensity weight and resistance training not only increases muscle mass but also helps maintain brain health. For those over the age of 65, adding 2–3 strength training sessions to a weekly routine may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's by as much as half.
Balance and coordination exercises are also worth including. Head injuries from falls are a risk that increases with age, which in turn raises the risk of Alzheimer's and dementia. Balance and coordination exercises can help keep the body agile and reduce the risk of falling. Try yoga, Tai Chi, or other exercises that train balance.
Regular physical exercise can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by up to 50 percent, and can also slow further decline in those who have already begun experiencing cognitive difficulties.
The recommendation is to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, ideally combining cardio training with strength training.
Good activities for beginners include walking and swimming.
Yes. For those over the age of 65, adding 2–3 strength training sessions to a weekly routine may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's by as much as half.
Head injuries from falls increase with age and also raise the risk of Alzheimer's and dementia, so balance and coordination exercises such as yoga or Tai Chi can help reduce the risk of falling.