, Sep 11 -
Any physical activity that gets the heart pumping may reduce the risk of
dementia and slow the condition's progression once it starts, a new study has
found.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic in the US examined the
role of aerobic exercise in preserving cognitive abilities and reached a
conclusion that it should not be overlooked as an important therapy against
dementia.
The researchers broadly defined exercise as enough
aerobic physical activity to raise the heart rate and increase the body's need
for oxygen. Examples include walking, gym workouts and activities at home such
as shovelling snow or raking leaves, the Daily Mail reported.
Study researcher Eric Ahlskog said: ÒWe culled
through all the scientific literature we could find on the subject of exercise
and cognition, including animal studies and
observational
studies, reviewing over 1,600 papers, with 130 bearing directly on this issue.
ÒWe attempted to put together a balanced view
of the subject. We concluded that you can make a very compelling argument for
exercise as a disease-modifying strategy to prevent dementia and mild cognitive
impairment, and for favourably modifying these processes once they have developed.Ó
The researchers, who detailed their findings in journal Mayo Clinic
Proceedings, noted that brain imaging studies have consistently revealed
objective evidence of favourable effects of exercise on human brain integrity.
Also, they said, animal research has shown
that exercise generates trophic factors that improve brain functioning, plus
exercise facilitates brain connections (neuroplasticity).
More research is needed on the relationship
between exercise and cognitive function, the authors said, but added that
exercise should be encouraged in general, especially for those with or worried
about cognitive issues.
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