How activity protects elderly brains
Friday November 2nd, 2012
New evidence of how physical activity helps protect the elderly from dementia is reported today.
Dr
Ana Verdelho, lead author of the study and a neuroscience researcher at
the University of Lisbon, Santa Maria Hospital, Portugal, said the protective
effect of regular physical activity remained regardless of age, education,
changes in the brain’s white matter, or previous history of stroke
or diabetes.
Moderate exercise of at least 30 minutes, three times a week should make a positive impact on brain health.
The study, based on a prospective multinational European study, found that those taking part in exercise reduced their risk of vascular-related dementia by 40 per cent and any other cognitive impairment by 60 per cent.
The results, which are published in Stroke, are part of increasing evidence that regular physical activity promotes brain health, added Dr Verdelho.
“This is particularly important for people with vascular risk factors such as hypertension, stroke or diabetes,” she said.
The analysis included 639 people in their 60s and 70s. Fifty five per cent were women and almost 64 per cent said they were active – doing such exercise as gym classes, walking and cycling – at least 30 minutes a day three times a week.
During the study, participants were asked about depression, quality of life and performing everyday activities.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests were also carried out at the beginning and end of the study to gauge white matter changes in the brain, an indicator of possible cognitive decline.
At the end of the follow-up, 90 patients had dementia, including 54 with vascular dementia in which impaired blood flow to the brain causes cognitive decline, and 34 patients met criteria for Alzheimer’s disease. Another 147 patients developed cognitive impairment, but not dementia.
“Damage of the cerebral white matter is implicated in cognitive problems including depression, walking difficulties and urinary complaints,” Verdelho said.
“White matter changes are very common in older people and mainly associated with vascular risk factors like hypertension and stroke.”
Verdelho A et al.Physical Activity Prevents Progression for Cognitive Impairment and Vascular Dementia Results From the LADIS (Leukoaraiosis and Disability) Study. Stroke November 2 2012; doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.112.661793
Tags: Brain & Neurology | Elderly Health | Europe | Fitness
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