Having a fit body might truly equate to having a sound mind.
A study indicates that remaining physically active before reaching the age of 50 may help delay the onset of dementia in later years.
Researchers suggest that physical activity could play a role in maintaining the size of areas in the brain associated with cognitive function and recollection.
Individuals who remained physically active over their lifetime showed a reduced risk of cognitive deterioration, even when they exhibited significant indicators associated with... Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists examined information gathered over many years through a nationwide health study following more than 5,000 individuals since their birth.
The study involved individuals who had reached the age of 70, reviewing historical data on their levels of physical activity spanning thirty years—both before and after turning 50.
MRI scans revealed that individuals who engaged in regular physical activity across their lifespan tended to perform better cognitively at age 70, and these positive effects were stronger for females compared to males.
Dr. Sarah-Naomi James from the UCL Dementia Research Centre stated that the findings from analyzing the National Survey of Health and Development revealed that becoming physically active can still be beneficial at any stage in life.
David Thomas from Alzheimer's Research UK stated: "Dementia isn’t something everyone will experience as they age, and discovering methods to stop people from getting it at all is a crucial part of our work toward finding a cure."
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