Physical and mental exercise protect brain from dementia

More brain news, this time from researchers in Sweden who have found strong links between dementia in aging and exposure to risk factors throughout life.

As the average age of the population in many countries increases, so does the occurrence of diseases such as cognitive impairment and dementia.

A study team from the Karolinska Institutet, led by professor Laura Fratiglioni, discovered that the risk of developing dementia is partly determined by genetic susceptibility and that actively participating in mental, physical and social activities can preserve cognitive functions, thereby delaying the onset of dementia.

Fratiglioni said, The brain, just as other parts of the body, requires stimulation and exercise in order to continue to function. Elderly people with an active life mentally, physically and socially run a lower risk of developing dementia, and it doesn’t matter what the particular activities are.’

Regarding the importance of physical activity, the researchers found that in addition to extremes of blood pressure (both too high and too low), diabetes and obesity in middle-age also enhance the risk of dementia in older age; What is good for the heart is good for the brain’ she said.

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Source: Karolinska Institutet and ScienceDaily

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