With over 47 million people living with dementia worldwide, it has become a growing concern among health professionals.

Dementia is a disorder that affects the brain and leads to loss of memory and cognitive abilities, making it difficult for people to perform everyday tasks. The disorder often affects older adults, and the number of cases is expected to rise with the aging population.

While there is no cure for dementia, researchers are continually looking for ways to reduce the risk of developing the disorder or to slow its progression. One promising approach is physical activity.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a disorder that affects the brain and leads to a decline in cognitive ability. It manifests itself in different ways, depending on the affected brain regions and the severity of the disorder.

Symptoms of dementia include memory loss, difficulty with language, disorientation, poor judgment, and changes in mood and behavior. There are different types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia, which differ in their causes and symptoms.

Dementia is a progressive disorder, meaning it gets worse over time. The disorder often affects older adults, but it can occur in younger people as well.

There is no cure for dementia, and once the disorder develops, it can be challenging to treat or reverse. Therefore, preventing or delaying the onset of dementia is an essential goal.

What is Physical Activity?

Physical activity refers to any movement that requires energy expenditure by the body. It includes exercise, sports, leisure activities, and other forms of movement, such as dancing, walking, or gardening.

Physical activity has numerous health benefits, such as improving cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, increasing muscle strength and endurance, and enhancing mental well-being.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, throughout the week.

WHO also suggests that adults perform muscle-strengthening activities involving large muscle groups at least two days a week.

Physical Activity and Dementia Risk

Research has shown that physical activity has several benefits for brain health, such as improving cognitive function, reducing the risk of cognitive decline, and delaying the onset of dementia.

A meta-analysis of 19 studies found that physical activity reduced the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 45%. Another study found that people who engaged in regular physical activity had a 38% lower risk of developing dementia than those who were inactive.

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The mechanism behind the relationship between physical activity and dementia risk reduction is not entirely understood.

However, some researchers suggest that physical activity may help reduce inflammation in the brain, promote the growth of new brain cells, and increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Physical activity may also reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, which are associated with an increased risk of dementia.

Physical Activity and Dementia Prevention Strategies

Based on the evidence, physical activity has emerged as a promising strategy for preventing or delaying the onset of dementia.

Health professionals have developed various approaches to incorporate physical activity into dementia prevention programs, such as:.

1. Exercise Classes

Exercise classes are group-based programs that provide structured physical activity sessions, typically supervised by a qualified instructor.

Exercise classes can be customized to the fitness level and preferences of the participants, and can include a variety of exercises, such as aerobics, strength training, and balance training. Exercise classes have been shown to improve physical fitness, balance, and gait, as well as cognitive function in older adults.

2. Walking Groups

Walking groups are group-based programs that encourage regular walking as a form of physical activity. Walking groups can be organized in a variety of settings, such as community centers, parks, or workplaces.

Walking groups provide social support, accountability, and motivation for participants to engage in regular physical activity. Walking groups have been shown to improve physical function, cardiovascular health, and cognitive function in older adults.

3. Technology-Based Interventions

Technology-based interventions are programs that use technology, such as mobile apps or wearable devices, to promote physical activity.

Technology-based interventions can provide personalized feedback, reminders, and social support to participants, and can help monitor progress and adherence to physical activity goals. Technology-based interventions have been shown to increase physical activity levels in middle-aged and older adults, as well as improve cognitive function and quality of life.

Conclusion

Dementia is a growing concern among health professionals, and prevention and early intervention are essential to reducing its impact on individuals and societies.

Physical activity has emerged as a promising approach to preventing or delaying the onset of dementia, as it has numerous benefits for brain health and overall health. Incorporating physical activity into dementia prevention and management strategies can improve physical function, cognitive function, and quality of life in older adults.