Thread by @hyderabaddoctor

Any level of physical activity is associated with better later-life #cognition

1. The multiple benefits of #exercise on cognitive functions are well known. A recent research showed that it is never too late to start exercising, and any exercise is better than not exercising.

2. The investigators asked 1417 participants how much they had exercised at ages 36, 43, 60, and 69 years.
Activities included badminton, swimming, fitness exercises, yoga, dancing, football, mountain climbing, jogging, or brisk walks for 30 min or more.
#dementia #Alzheimers

3. They were also asked the number of times they had exercised in the previous month.
Most commonly reported activities at age 60 were walking (71%), swimming (33%), floor exercises (24%), and cycling (15%).
dx.doi.org/10.1136/jnnp-2…

4. The study showed that being physically active at any stage of adult life was associated with better cognition at age 69.
The benefit on cognition was seen in even those who exercised only once a month (as compared to those who were physically inactive).

5. Those who exercised at all times (of data collection) and exercised on more number of days per month, had greater benefit on cognition. (Dose response between exercise and cognition was noted).

6. Take home message
*Physical activity in adulthood can preserve cognition and possibly delay or prevent dementia (at later life)
*It is never too late to start exercising- starting in 50s would also benefit.
*Any amount of exercise is better than not exercising.