Exercise ‘beats memory problems’

Adults with memory problems who exercise regularly may be at a lower risk of developing more severe forms of dementia, research has suggested.

An Australian study noted a “modest improvement” in cognitive function among a group of over-50s who participated in an 18-month long exercise programme.

Almost 140 adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) took part in the University of Melbourne trial.

The group which underwent three 50-minute exercise sessions of moderate intensity every week for 18 months were found to score better in cognitive tests at the end of the programme, as opposed to a second control group.

“To our knowledge, this trial is the first to demonstrate that exercise improves cognitive function in older adults with subjective and objective mild cognitive impairment,” the study’s authors, publishing their results in the Journal of the American Medical Association (Jama), write.

“The benefits of physical activity were apparent after six months and persisted for at least another 12 months after the intervention had been discontinued.”

MCI designates someone who has mild memory problems that are not severe enough to interfere with everyday life, but can lead to more serious forms of dementia.

It is estimated that by 2050 106.2 million people worldwide will be living with Alzheimer’s disease.

Commenting on today’s study, Dr Susanne Sorensen, head of research at the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Regular exercise is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of dementia and can help slow progression of the condition.”