Walking Helps Cut Risk of Dementia

Walking is a great way to stay active and lower your risk of dementia. It helps maintain brain function and reduces stress, and it also improves your mood and sleep. It also reduces the impact of heart disease and diabetes, which are known risk factors for dementia. Walking also improves your blood flow to the brain.

A recent study conducted by the Mayo Clinic found that taking 20-minute daily walks reduced the risk of dementia by 40%. The researchers also found that walking increased the size of the hippocampus, a part of the brain responsible for new memories. This is particularly important because the brain shrinks about one to two percent a year. Researchers are currently looking at the effects of walking on patients with serious illnesses like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

The researchers also found that walking decreased the risk of vascular dementia by 27 percent. This was even higher among those who performed moderate physical activities. This study demonstrates that the best form of exercise can help reduce the risk of dementia. The study authors recommend that people take up activities they enjoy. This way, they can reap the benefits of exercise without putting their health at risk.

The researchers of this study tracked over 78,000 people and counted the steps they took every day. After analyzing the data, they separated people into two groups: slow and fast walkers. Those who walked slower than 40 steps per minute were called “amblers,” while those who walked faster were considered “purposeful” walkers. The researchers also observed peak performers, those who took the most steps within a thirty-minute period of time on a daily basis.

Researchers have found that daily brisk walking can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia. Keeping fit into middle age may be the key to avoiding this disease. According to the study, people who exercised regularly were 33 percent less likely to develop the disease. Walking for just 15 minutes daily or walking half an hour five days a week is enough to reduce the risk.

Walking also boosts your overall fitness. Researchers found that people who had high levels of aerobic fitness were 33 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those who did not. In addition to improving your mental and physical health, regular exercise also decreases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It also lowers your stress and improves your mood.

Daily exercise and social interactions also decrease the risk of dementia. According to the study, social interaction with others helps people stay mentally active. It also lowers stress levels and keeps relationships strong. Hence, it is important to take advantage of every opportunity to interact with others. This is important for those who want to avoid dementia.

If you are concerned about your health, consider your diet. Choosing healthy foods will help keep your heart healthy. A good diet will improve your cognitive function. Choosing to eat healthier foods also reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.