Risk of dementia decreases with physical activity

Researchers led by the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health analysed the data of almost 90,000 adults living in the U.K. who wore smart watch activity trackers. The researchers found that engaging in as little as 35 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week compared to zero minutes per week was associated with a 41% lower risk of developing dementia. This was true even for frail older adults concluding that any amount of exercise is better than none.

Dementia risks were 60% lower in participants in the 35 to 69.9 minutes of exercise per week category, 63% lower in the 70 to 139.9 minutes per week category and 69% lower in the 140 minutes per week and over category.