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The #1 Best Workout for Dementia Prevention, According to a Neurophysiologist
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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 55 million people are currently living with dementia worldwide. Every year, there are 10 million new cases.
In other words, dementia is a common problem and one that mostly affects older individuals. While medical advances have been made in recent years—including the approval of Leqembi, the first FDA-approved drug that may slow the progression of the disease—as with most diseases, the best thing to do is try to prevent it in the first place.
To be clear, there's nothing any one person can do to 100 percent prevent dementia. But there are some lifestyle changes that can be helpful, including regular exercise.
Why Exercise Helps With Dementia Prevention
According to the results of 11 different studies conducted over the years, regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing dementia by about 30 percent. That number goes up to 45 percent when talking about Alzheimer's specifically.
But why is exercise so helpful for lowering dementia risk? "Exercise prompts the release of certain proteins called myokines, which can exert protective effects on brain cells, thereby potentially reducing dementia risk," explains Louisa Nicola, MMed, BSc, a neurophysiologist, brain coach and advisor for Momentous. "In addition, exercise can lead to positive changes in brain structure and function, which in turn supports cognition."
And even if someone is already living with dementia, exercise may help slow the progression: A study out of the University of Kansas found that some participants with Alzheimer’s actually increased memory test scores after exercising regularly. They were even able to increase the size of their hippocampus, a part of the brain that's crucial for learning and memory.
Related: The Best Resistance Workout for People Over 50, According to Personal Trainers
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