For years we have known that exercise reduces our risk of certain diseases like heart disease, osteoporosis, and stroke. According to a recent study, you can add dementia to that list. A team of researchers at the Group Health Center for Health Studies in Seattle examined the link between physical function and dementia. They followed 2,288 men and women, aged 65 and older, for approximately 10 years. None of the participants had dementia at the start of the study.

Physical-performance (strength, walking ability, and balance) and cognitive ability were assessed at the beginning of the study and again every other year for an average of six years. The researchers discovered that the people who scored higher on the physical-performance assessments were three times less likely to develop dementia than those who scored lower. While more research needs to be done to explain exactly how this relationship works, this study is an important first step. It emphasizes exactly how far reaching the benefits of physical activity are and it reminds us of the importance of keeping ourselves moving no matter what our age.

Reference: Li Wang, MS and colleagues. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2006; 166:1115-1120. )