By Kassia Garfield, Owner, MaxStrength Fitness, Niceville
The more that modern medicine continues to advance, there is a strong link between a lack of exercise and the risk of dementia. Dementia, a general term for a decline in cognitive ability severe enough to interfere with daily life, affects millions of people worldwide. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form. But, as most people know, dementia varies amongst people. While there is no cure for dementia, research has consistently shown that certain lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk or delay its onset. One of the most promising interventions is regular physical exercise.
How Exercise Affects the Brain
Exercise has a variety of physical benefits, such as improving cardiovascular health, managing weight, strengthening muscles and reducing injury. Exercise is not just for the body, but also the brain. When you exercise, blood flow to the brain increases, delivering more oxygen and nutrients, which can help support healthy brain function. More specifically, physical activity promotes the growth of new brain cells in the area critical for memory and learning.
Exercise and Dementia Risk
A study published in The Lancet found that physical inactivity is a major modifiable risk factor for dementia. The key here is “modifiable,” which means controllable. Not genetic, but LIFESTYLE changes. The study indicated that engaging in regular exercise could potentially reduce the risk of developing dementia by up to 30%. In comparison, the bottom 10% of exercisers, or sedentary people, have almost double the risk of dementia onset.
Research also suggests that exercise can protect brain cells from damage and reduce the formation of plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. There are other factors that can help reduce the risk of dementia, like decreased inflammation in the body and improving vascular health, both achieved by exercise.
Exercise as a Treatment for Dementia
Exercise’s benefits also carry over to improving the quality of life for individuals already living with the condition. For those with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia, exercise can slow the progression of cognitive decline. Regular physical activity has been shown to improve mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and enhance physical function. Strength training specifically can improve a sense of independence and well-being in those affected.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia found that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease who participated in regular aerobic exercise showed significant improvements in memory and overall cognitive function compared to those who did not exercise. These findings underscore the potential of exercise not only as a preventative measure, but also as a therapeutic intervention for people with dementia.
The Types of Exercise Most Beneficial for Brain Health
While all forms of exercise offer benefits, some are particularly well-suited for promoting brain health. Strength training exercises, such as weightlifting or resistance band workouts, have also been shown to be effective for maintaining cognitive function by enhancing brain plasticity and supporting overall brain structure.
Additionally, aerobic exercise and activities that engage both the body and the mind, like yoga and tai chi, are beneficial for dementia prevention and management. These practices combine physical movement with mental focus and have been shown to improve balance, flexibility, and mood, while also reducing stress—factors that contribute to brain health.
Conclusion
The link between dementia and exercise is clear: regular physical activity plays a crucial role in both preventing cognitive decline and improving the lives of those affected by dementia. By increasing blood flow to the brain, encouraging neurogenesis, and reducing inflammation, exercise supports brain health in numerous ways. For individuals looking to reduce their dementia risk or manage symptoms, incorporating exercise into daily routines can be one of the most effective and accessible strategies for promoting long-term cognitive well-being. If you need help getting into a good exercise routine, MaxStrength Fitness of Niceville can help! We provide all one-on-one personal strength training. Give us a call! 850-373-4450.
