Various research and scientific studies suggest that people who exercise are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia!

As reported in THE NEW YORK TIMES (Elisabeth Rosenthal, October 11, 2005) , studies have recently suggested that diet and intellectual activity, as well as physical exercise, may prevent the mental decline associated with aging.

Researchers from the KAROLINSKA INSTITUTE in Stockholm, monitored the exercise habits of a group of 1,500 patients age 65 and older for 35 years. Their study published by the journal, LANCET NEUROLOGY, found that people who practiced leisure time physical activity at least twice a week during middle age, had a 50 percent LOWER CHANCE OF DEVELOPING DEMENTIA AND A 60 PERCENT LOWER CHANCE OF DEVELOPING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE COMPARED WITH MORE SEDENTARY INDIVIDUALS.

Dr. Miia Kivipelto, the main author of the study, states that,
“If an individual adopts an active lifestyle in youth and at midlife, this may increase their probability of enjoying both physically and cognitively vital years later in life.”

Dr. Ian H. Robertson, director of the Trinity College Institute of Neurosciences in Dublin, commenting on the Karolinska study said, “This is important… It shouldn’t be surprising that the BRAIN BENEFITS FROM EXERCISE LIKE THE REST OF THE BODY, PERHAPS EVEN MORE.”

Furthermore, researchers found that individuals who carried a genetic sequence associated with the development of dementia derived the most benefit.