Exercise May Reduce Cognitive Decline

A study in the Sept. 3rd issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that adults with memory problems, who participated in a home-based physical activity program, experienced a modest improvement in cognitive function over those who only received usual care.

At Australia's University of Melbourne, a randomized controlled study was conducted to test whether performing three 50 minute sessions of moderate-intensity physical activity per week (i.e. walking) would reduce the rate of cognitive decline among 138 adults age 50 years and older. These subjects had an increased risk of dementia.

Educational material about memory loss, stress management, healthful diet, alcohol consumption and smoking was distributed to the participants. Some of the participants received an additional 24 week home-based program of physical activity.

Over 18 months, changes in the Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale scores showed that participants in the intervention group (those with exercise) improved, whereas those in the usual care group improved, but to a much lesser degree.

This small study is potentially important considering the relatively modest amount of physical activity undertaken by the participants in the study. The intervention resulted in 142 minutes more physical activity per week than the usual care group.

Exercise is so important for all of us. Not only does exercise help our mood, it helps in weight control, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, hypertension, and now it seems in delaying or improving dementia. For all of these reasons, keep moving!