Scientists reveal a 5-minute daily habit that could slash your dementia risk!
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In the golden years of life, the specter of dementia looms large for many.
It's a condition that can strip away memories, independence, and the essence of what makes us who we are.
But what if there was a simple daily habit, taking just five minutes, that could significantly reduce the risk of this daunting disease? Recent research suggests there might just be.
The study, spearheaded by the diligent researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, has shed light on a remarkable finding–just five minutes of light exercise each day could be a game-changer in the fight against dementia.
The study, which has been making waves in the medical community and was published in
The Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, analyzed nearly 90,000 adults in the United Kingdom. These participants, equipped with smartwatch-type activity trackers, provided a wealth of data for the researchers to comb through.
The results were striking. Engaging in as little as 35 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week—a mere five minutes a day—was associated with a 41% lower risk of developing dementia over an average follow-up period of four years.
The study didn't just stop at five minutes. It found that the more physical activity participants engaged in, the lower their risk of dementia became.
For instance, those who clocked in 35-to-69.9 minutes of activity per week had a 60% lower risk. The numbers kept improving with increased activity, with a 69% lower risk for those exceeding 140 minutes per week.
Dr. Amal Wanigatunga, the lead author of the study, emphasized the significance of these findings, especially for those who may feel limited by age or health conditions.
“Our findings suggest that increasing physical activity, even as little as five minutes per day, can reduce dementia risk in older adults,” he stated.
The study aligns with a growing consensus that when it comes to physical activity, some is indeed better than none.
While public health guidelines typically recommend 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, this research supports the idea that even minimal amounts of exercise can have a profound impact on health.
Source: yes2next / Youtube.
The participants, with a median age of 63 and a slight female majority, were tracked over an average of 4.4 years.
During this period, 735 individuals developed dementia. The researchers found that for every additional 30 minutes of weekly moderate to vigorous physical activity, there was a 4% reduction in dementia risk.
Also read: Are your medications increasing your dementia risk? New study reveals five common pills to watch out for!
This study is particularly encouraging for older adults who may face challenges in engaging in regular, strenuous exercise. It suggests that even small, manageable amounts of physical activity can contribute to a healthier brain and a reduced risk of dementia.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine and senior medical analyst, who was not involved in the study, highlighted the importance of these findings.
“This is not proof, just an association, but is very useful for the group that gets discouraged, thinking, ‘I can’t do a lot of exercise because of illness or disability, so why do any?’ This study suggests that even small amounts are helpful.”
The mechanisms behind the study's findings are thought to include increased blood flow to the brain, improved disposal of metabolic waste, and decreased inflammation.
Source: Improved Health / Youtube.
These benefits are likely complemented by healthier lifestyle decisions that also contribute to reducing the risk of dementia, such as quality sleep, a nutritious diet, and social engagement.
Funded by the National Institute on Aging, this research offers a beacon of hope and a call to action. It's a reminder that it's never too late to start making small changes that can have a big impact on our health and well-being.
At The GrayVine, we believe in empowering our community with knowledge and practical steps to enhance their quality of life. So, why not start today? Lace up those walking shoes, take a leisurely stroll around the block, or simply stand up and stretch. Every minute counts.
Recommended for you: Protect your brain: Are you at risk as US dementia cases set to skyrocket?
We invite you to share your journey with us. Have you found ways to incorporate more activity into your day? What are your thoughts on this study? Your experiences and insights could inspire others in the comments below!
It's a condition that can strip away memories, independence, and the essence of what makes us who we are.
But what if there was a simple daily habit, taking just five minutes, that could significantly reduce the risk of this daunting disease? Recent research suggests there might just be.
The study, spearheaded by the diligent researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, has shed light on a remarkable finding–just five minutes of light exercise each day could be a game-changer in the fight against dementia.
The study, which has been making waves in the medical community and was published in
The Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, analyzed nearly 90,000 adults in the United Kingdom. These participants, equipped with smartwatch-type activity trackers, provided a wealth of data for the researchers to comb through.
The results were striking. Engaging in as little as 35 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week—a mere five minutes a day—was associated with a 41% lower risk of developing dementia over an average follow-up period of four years.
Just five minutes of light exercise per day could help prevent dementia, according to new research. Image source: yes2next / Youtube.
The study didn't just stop at five minutes. It found that the more physical activity participants engaged in, the lower their risk of dementia became.
For instance, those who clocked in 35-to-69.9 minutes of activity per week had a 60% lower risk. The numbers kept improving with increased activity, with a 69% lower risk for those exceeding 140 minutes per week.
Dr. Amal Wanigatunga, the lead author of the study, emphasized the significance of these findings, especially for those who may feel limited by age or health conditions.
“Our findings suggest that increasing physical activity, even as little as five minutes per day, can reduce dementia risk in older adults,” he stated.
The study aligns with a growing consensus that when it comes to physical activity, some is indeed better than none.
While public health guidelines typically recommend 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, this research supports the idea that even minimal amounts of exercise can have a profound impact on health.
Source: yes2next / Youtube.
The participants, with a median age of 63 and a slight female majority, were tracked over an average of 4.4 years.
During this period, 735 individuals developed dementia. The researchers found that for every additional 30 minutes of weekly moderate to vigorous physical activity, there was a 4% reduction in dementia risk.
Also read: Are your medications increasing your dementia risk? New study reveals five common pills to watch out for!
This study is particularly encouraging for older adults who may face challenges in engaging in regular, strenuous exercise. It suggests that even small, manageable amounts of physical activity can contribute to a healthier brain and a reduced risk of dementia.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine and senior medical analyst, who was not involved in the study, highlighted the importance of these findings.
“This is not proof, just an association, but is very useful for the group that gets discouraged, thinking, ‘I can’t do a lot of exercise because of illness or disability, so why do any?’ This study suggests that even small amounts are helpful.”
The mechanisms behind the study's findings are thought to include increased blood flow to the brain, improved disposal of metabolic waste, and decreased inflammation.
Source: Improved Health / Youtube.
These benefits are likely complemented by healthier lifestyle decisions that also contribute to reducing the risk of dementia, such as quality sleep, a nutritious diet, and social engagement.
Funded by the National Institute on Aging, this research offers a beacon of hope and a call to action. It's a reminder that it's never too late to start making small changes that can have a big impact on our health and well-being.
At The GrayVine, we believe in empowering our community with knowledge and practical steps to enhance their quality of life. So, why not start today? Lace up those walking shoes, take a leisurely stroll around the block, or simply stand up and stretch. Every minute counts.
Recommended for you: Protect your brain: Are you at risk as US dementia cases set to skyrocket?
We invite you to share your journey with us. Have you found ways to incorporate more activity into your day? What are your thoughts on this study? Your experiences and insights could inspire others in the comments below!
