Movement Is Medicine

Do you ever think about how to reduce your risk factors for chronic disease? Consistent exercise is vital to our health. As a nurse practitioner that does family practice, I see patients that are concerned about their memory as they age. It is tragic to see how dementia affects both the patient and families. This is why we constantly look for ways of improving health among our patients. Prevention of illness is always better than treating it at end stages. John Hopkins, Bloomberg school of public health recently conducted a study on movement and dementia. The researchers found that doing as little as 35 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week compared to those who did none, was associated with a 41% lower risk of developing dementia over an average four year follow up timeframe. This risk even carried over for fragile older adults showing it is not too late to start a exercise routine.

Researchers found an even further reduction in dementia risk with higher physical activity. Dementia risk was lowered by 60% in participants in the 35 to 69.9 minutes of physical activity per week. They found a 63% reduction in the 70 to 139.9 minutes per week category and a 69% reduction in risk in the 140 and over minutes per week. The study looked at 90,000 adults living in the UK who wore smart watches to track their activity. You can find the study published in the Journal of American Medical Directors Association for their January 15th 2025 article.

The study seems to suggest physical activity, even as little as five minutes a day could reduce the risk of dementia. Prevention of dementia in our senior population is critical. Our population is aging at this time and the burden of dementia will grow in the coming years. If you need assistance, making a health plan for exercise please contact us at our office. We will be glad to assist. Lace up your walking shoes and get out for a stroll today.