New research shows that staying physically fit may be one of the best means of staying mentally alert and reducing the risk of cognitive decline or of developing dimenta or Alzheimer's disease. A recent study compared the exercise habits of two groups of older adults, one with mild cognitive decline and one with no cognitive decline. It found that those who engaged in moderate exercise five or six times a week reduced their risk of mild cognitive decline by 32% and their risk of Alzheimer's by 39%.

Experts now say that exercise and physical activity are likely one of the mosr potent known means of preventing dementia. Moderate exercise includes brisk walking, bicycling, golfing (no cart), briskly paced housework or yardwork, swimming and yoga. In addition to planned exercise, add to your total amount of daily activity every chance you get, whether it's taking the stairs instead of the elevator or walking to the store instead of driving.

Bottom line: exercise and physical activity isn't just good for your muscles and bones, but for your brain as well.
1 | Left by Anon | Dec. 4, 2010 at 2:17pm