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Walk to Decrease Your Risk Of Dementia
Walking is the most popular form of physical activity & exercise and now there is even more reason for people of all ages to start walking and keep walking! Two studies in the September 2004 issue of 'Journal of the American Medical Association' has shown that long-term regular walking is associated with significantly better cognitive function and decreased risk of dementia and Alzheimer disease in both men and women.
The Nurses' Health Study involved 18,766 US women aged 70 to 81 years. Women reported participation in leisure time physical activities and cognitive performance tests from 1986 through to 2001. Women with higher levels of activity were associated with better thinking ability as they aged.
The Honolulu-Asia Aging Study assessed the distance walked per day in 2257 men aged 71 to 93 years. Men who walked less than 0.4km per day had more risk of dementia than those who walked more than 3.2km per day.
So how does walking help maintain thinking function? Walking (or participation in any physical activity and exercise) aids in the prevention of diseases that can affect blood flow to the brain such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Walking also gives you reason to take in some fresh air, be stimulated by your surroundings and maintain your social connections.
The moral of the story - daily walking is a great way to look after your health as you age!
Article by Professor Kerry Mummery
Central Queensland University
