Exercising three hours a week can ease the symptoms of dementia

Exercising three times a week could help alleviate memory problems, a new survey has found.

Researchers studied 70 participants with vascular dementia, which causes problems with the memory and thinking skills, who took part in an one-hour exercise class three times a week for six months.

It was found that when they were tested on their thinking skills and ability to complete daily tasks, those who took part in the exercise showed a small improvement than those who did not exercise.

Participants were also able to work further and had lower blood pressure, but the benefit only lasted as long as people continued to exercise.

“We know keeping active, along with a balanced diet, is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of dementia,” says Dr. Rosa Sancho, head of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK.

“This new study suggests that an aerobic exercise program may be beneficial for people who already have early memory problems.”

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It was also found that participants were also able to work further and had lower blood pressure, but the benefit only lasted as long as people continued to exercise.

“While many studies have found a link between physical activity and dementia risk, few have tested specific intervention programs and it’s positive to see new trials in this important area,” Dr. Sancho added.

“With limited treatment options for people with memory decline or dementia, it’s important to explore a range of possible therapeutic approaches.”

The trial was carried out at the University of British Columbia in Canada and was published in Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

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