Study Finds Aerobic Exercise Can Reduce Dementia Risk in Middle and Older Adults

A new study highlights the benefits of aerobic exercise for middle-aged and older adults, revealing that good cardiorespiratory health could play a key role in reducing the risk of dementia. Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the study found that individuals with strong cardiorespiratory health can delay the onset of dementia by as much as 1.5 years. For those genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease, the study showed even more promising results, with a delay of up to 3 years in the onset of dementia. The findings suggest that maintaining or improving cardiorespiratory health can have a protective effect on the brain, potentially delaying cognitive decline. Experts emphasize that while it’s never too late to start improving heart and lung health, it’s important to recognize that cardiorespiratory health naturally decreases by 3 to 6% per decade if no effort is made to maintain or enhance it. Aerobic exercises like walking, cycling, and swimming can boost heart and lung health, benefiting cognitive function as well. This study brings new hope for those looking to mitigate the effects of aging on the brain, underscoring the importance of physical activity at any stage of life.