Exercise is proven to reduce dementia risk by 45% among those aged 45-64. Researchers at Boston University conducted a study on over 1,500 participants in the Framingham Heart Study, an eight-decade-long research initiative. The findings show that physical activity significantly lowers the risk of dementia, with mid-life exercisers experiencing a whopping 45% decrease.
Walking just 3,800 steps per day was found to reduce dementia risk by 25%, according to a previous study in 2022. Another study revealed that biking, as opposed to driving or public transit usage, reduced dementia and Alzheimer's risk by 19% and 22%, respectively.
Regular physical activity allows the heart to pump more blood to the brain, providing vital oxygen and nutrients. This boosts brain function and reduces inflammation, conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes that can affect the brain.
The study also suggests that exercise may directly impact neurodegenerative disease pathology. "Physical activity may also directly impact neurodegenerative disease pathology," said BU School of Public Health assistant professor of epidemiology Phillip Hwang.
However, physical activity is not the only way to boost brain health. Doctors recommend a heart-healthy diet like the Mediterranean diet, regular socialization and engaging in activities that challenge your brain, such as puzzles or dancing.
Walking just 3,800 steps per day was found to reduce dementia risk by 25%, according to a previous study in 2022. Another study revealed that biking, as opposed to driving or public transit usage, reduced dementia and Alzheimer's risk by 19% and 22%, respectively.
Regular physical activity allows the heart to pump more blood to the brain, providing vital oxygen and nutrients. This boosts brain function and reduces inflammation, conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes that can affect the brain.
The study also suggests that exercise may directly impact neurodegenerative disease pathology. "Physical activity may also directly impact neurodegenerative disease pathology," said BU School of Public Health assistant professor of epidemiology Phillip Hwang.
However, physical activity is not the only way to boost brain health. Doctors recommend a heart-healthy diet like the Mediterranean diet, regular socialization and engaging in activities that challenge your brain, such as puzzles or dancing.
I mean, I know exercise is good for you and all, but let's be real, I'd rather spend my time doing anything else 
I've been told to go for walks more often, but honestly, the thought of just walking 3,800 steps a day sounds like a total snooze fest 
. And what about people who can't even do that? Like, elderly folks or those with disabilities? Do we really expect them to be all active and stuff when they're already struggling just to get out of bed? 
I'm not saying exercise is bad for you or anything, but let's not forget that there are plenty of other ways to boost brain health... like taking a nap 
! Who wouldn't wanna reduce their dementia risk by 45%? I mean, it's like, exercise is basically a magic pill for your brain 
. The thing that really gets me is how mid-life exercisers can see such a huge difference - 25% less dementia risk just from walking 3,800 steps a day? That's like, totally achievable even with a busy schedule 
. And it's not just about physical activity either; maintaining a heart-healthy diet and socializing regularly are also super important for brain health 
. But let's be real, who can resist the urge to lace up their sneakers and hit the pavement? 
i'ma be the one telling her that all those years of binge-watching netflix were actually a mistake 
anyway back to exercise... 3,800 steps a day sounds doable even for me 
just heard about this study and I'm totally stoked 
! 45% reduction in dementia risk is insane 
! I've been trying to get my family to exercise more for ages, but now I have a legit reason to push them 
. Walking 3,800 steps a day? That's doable 
! And biking vs driving? Game changer 
. My grandma was always saying that walking helped her stay sharp 
. This study makes total sense, exercise is like oxygen for your brain 
. Now I'm gonna make sure my fam gets moving ASAP 
. I'm gonna start making some changes and hope it makes a difference 
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Like, who's surprised? Exercise is basically just common sense now 
. Biking vs driving? Who knew? I guess when you're old and grey, every little bit counts, right? 
That's because you've been exercising! 
. It's not just about getting older, either - the fact that mid-life exercisers saw a huge drop in risk is really inspiring. And let's not forget about all those studies that showed walking 3,800 steps a day can make a difference... I'm definitely going to keep on moving (literally 
) and hope it helps me stay sharp for years to come! 
but omg have u tried that new vegan pizza place downtown? 
but seriously though, 45% decrease in risk is pretty impressive. i mean we all know walking is good for us (although it sounds super boring 
and pretend I'm active lol. Anyway, how do I get started with this? Do I need to join a gym or is just going for a walk everyday enough? And btw, have you tried any of these exercises that reduce dementia risk?
I'm all for this! The more I think about it, the more sense it makes - just think about all those grey hairs you'd avoid 
. It's funny how exercise can become a thing that makes you feel good just thinking about it