Large scale study supports claim exercise reduces risk of dementia

The Massachusetts-based study followed the dementia development of 1,200 elderly (average age 76) participants of the Framingham Heart Study. They carried out follow up studies after 5-15 years.

They found people who performed moderate to heavy levels of physical activity had about a 40 per cent lower risk of developing dementia. This result was more evident in men than women.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'This robust and influential study provides strong support to the already comprehensive evidence that exercise is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of dementia. It is the old adage, what is good for your heart is good for your head.'

'Whether it be a round of golf, a brisk walk or a session on the treadmill, thirty minutes of exercise, five times a week can be beneficial at any age. The best way to reduce your risk is to combine exercise with a healthy diet, not smoke and have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly.'

Professor Clive Ballard
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society

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Study Reference: 'Physical Activity and the Risk of Dementia: The Framingham Study' by Zaldy Tan et al

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