More Physical Activity In Midlife Reduces The Risk Of Cognitive Decline Later In Life

The researchers from Helsingin Yliopisto (University of Helsinki) discovered that having more physical activity during midlife would have a better cognitive function in old age. These physical activities include vigorous and strenuous movements than walking.

The study was printed in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. It is handled by researchers from the University of Helsinki, University of Jyvaskyla and University of Turku, according to Science Daily.

The study involved following up 3,050 twins from the Finnish Twin Cohort. The participants shared information to the researchers on their exercise habits in their midlife. The team examined each individual then compared the pairs later. They found that one twin was more physically active than the other.

The results of the study indicated that a mild physical activity could have memory-protecting benefits. For those group of twins that were not physically active, there was an extensively increased risk for cognitive impairment.

Professor Urho Kujala from the University of Jyvaskyla stated that the study suggests that moderately vigorous physical activity, meaning more strenuous than walking, is linked with better cognition after an average of 25 years. He further stated that the finding is in accordance with earlier animal model studies, which have shown that physical activity heightens a number of growth factors in the brain and improves synaptic plasticity, as noted by UPI.

It is reported that there is a dominance of dementia with the aging populations in Finland and all around the world. Dementia has symptoms such as cognitive decline, forgetfulness, memory and communication impairment. If the dementia is severe, it can affect the daily activities of the patient. He could have difficulties in accomplishing the daily grinds of living. There is no treatment yet for degenerative dementia. On the other hand, its symptoms could be improved with some medications and could also prevent further brain tissue damage. Currently, there are some promising drugs and ways that are underway for treating Alzheimer's disease, which is one type of dementia.