'Simple' weekly activity that 'slows down' brain ageing and cuts dementia risk

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A new study found that one key weekly activity could be key to staving off cognitive decline and dementia.

Researchers suggest a simple weekly exercise regimen could be essential in preventing cognitive decline and dementia. An investigation conducted by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology has examined various human and animal studies to understand how physical health impacts brain ageing. The research explored key factors like brain plasticity, inflammation, and blood flow , which are critical to the development of neurodegenerative diseases .

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT While current recommendations advise 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week, the researchers argue that even minimal exercise can benefit brain health. They anticipate that spreading awareness of this fact will encourage more people to start exercising. New pope predicts the biggest threat facing humanity Dad made friend dig own grave and kill himself after raping 6-year-old daughter Professor Ulrik Wisløff, a co-author of the study, pointed out, "We believe it's time for health authorities to provide clearer advice on how important exercise is for the brain.



"Our review shows that even small doses of high-intensity activity – equivalent to brisk walking where you can't sing – can reduce the risk of dementia by up to 40%." Postdoctoral researcher Atefe Rafiee Tari shared insights with Norwegian Sci Tech News, remarking, "Today's recommendations emphasize total activity, but we show that even small amounts of high intensity exercise have an effect on the brain..

. Exercise is cheap, accessible and has no side effects. It should be considered a first-line measure to preserve brain health.

" Dementia, which includes conditions like Alzheimer's disease, leads to a progressive decline in cognitive abilities. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 6 million Americans suffer from Dementia, a disease responsible for over 100,000 deaths each year. While no cure exists for dementia presently, treatments are available to ease symptoms such as confusion, memory lapses, and speech problems.

Moreover, recent research suggests that up to 45% of dementia cases could potentially be averted through modest lifestyle tweaks. DON'T MISS..

. Two 'common' early symptoms of dementia that are not memory loss Reduce your Alzheimer's risk with these three simple strategies from a doctor Neurologist details most 'surprising' sign of early stage Alzheimer's and dement In a 2024 study, Oxford University researchers identified lack of physical activity, alcohol consumption, and exposure to pollution as contributing factors to increased dementia risk after examining over 40,000 brain scans. Additionally, Dr.

Valter Longo of the University of Southern California 's Longevity Institute underscores fitness and brisk walking's significance for sustained health. In a prior blog post, he highlighted how important even light strolls could be, "Walk fast for an hour every day," Dr Longo advised. "On the weekend, walk everywhere, even faraway places (avoid polluted areas as much as possible).

" Experts describes a brisk walk as one performed at about three mph. For those with stiff joints, swimming is a great alternative..