Physical activity is widely recognized as an important aspect of a healthy lifestyle, but a new study from the University of Georgia has found an additional benefit - staving off cognitive decline.
Researchers at the UGA College of Public Health analyzed data from more than 13,000 survey respondents and found that sustained physical activity can reduce the rate of cognitive decline for older adults. This data shows the importance of maintaining consistent physical activity throughout life, said lead author Suhang Song.
Suhang Song
"We found that longer and more frequent engagement in physical activity, was associated with delayed cognitive decline," said Song, an assistant professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management.
"These protective benefits grew over the length of the study."
Even exercising just once a week makes a difference
The researchers relied on data from the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative study that followed adults 50 years and over for 16 years.
Respondents reported how frequently they were physically active as well as their level of activity according to intensity. Vigorous activities included things like running and jogging. Gardening, dancing or stretching were classified as moderate activities while vacuuming, doing laundry and making home repairs were considered mild.
If this slower decline continues, it could potentially delay the onset of dementia by many years." -Suhang Song, College of Public Health
The study did not look at specific exercise time, but rather overall activity habits, and found that individuals who sustained regular physical activity throughout their lives experienced a significantly slower rate of cognitive decline.
For example, increasing vigorous physical activity from one to three times per month to once per week was linked to a measurable slowing of cognitive decline. Even increasing moderate physical activity from once per week to multiple times per week led to a slower rate of cognitive decline over time.
"The improvement of the decline rate may seem modest, but it builds up over time. If this slower decline continues, it could potentially delay the onset of dementia by many years, giving people more time to live independently and maintain quality of life," Song said.
Regular activity should be encouraged in practice and policy
The findings build on existing research that links physical activity with cognitive health, but what sets this study apart is its focus on the duration and consistency of activity over time.
Promoting consistent physical activity may be a key component of any program aimed at reducing dementia risk in older adults, Song said.
Supporting building and maintaining long-term physical activity habits, through guidance from physicians and care providers, could help individuals adopt more sustainable routines by setting realistic, achievable goals, the researchers said.
Ultimately, Song's message is simple: Move more and keep up activity.
"Our findings offer support in informing targeted interventions that support timely, consistent and long-term physical activity among older adults," Song said. "From clinical practice and from the intervention side, continuous physical activity is an important proactive measure."
