Going for a run or pumping iron just a few times a week can have significant impact on brain function, even cutting the risk of dementia by fifteen percent, a study has found
Exercising at the weekend may be just as good for you as working out during the week when it comes to slowing down mental decline.
The risk of mild dementia is reduced by an average of 15% in “weekend warriors” who exercise once or twice per week, and by 10% in those who exercise more often.
It comes as a study last month also found weekend exercise cuts the risk of developing more than 200 diseases. A growing body of evidence suggests it is not when you exercise, but the fact you exercise, which improves health.
The researchers said: “This study suggests even busy people can gain cognitive health benefits from one or two sessions of exercise per week.”
Taking into account factors such as smoking, sleep and diet, the findings suggest both exercise patterns have similar effects. The study authors said: “Around 10% of [mild dementia] cases would be eliminated if all middle-aged adults were to take part in sport.”
Researchers, from Colombia, Chile and Glasgow examined data samples from 10,000 people in Mexico City.
They added: “Physical activity is associated with greater brain volume, executive function and memory.”
