Good news for people leaving the gym today – weekend warrior They may be as likely to reduce their risk of mild dementia as gym rats, A new study has revealed,
More than 10,000 middle-aged Mexicans were divided into four groups based on their exercise habits – non-exercisers, weekend warriors who exercised/sports once or twice a week, regularly active People who exercised three or more times a week and a combined group of weekend warriors and regularly active people.
Researchers in Chile and other countries followed and tested participants for an average of 16 years. an assessment to see if they develop mild cognitive impairment, which often happens precursor to dementia,
Nearly 2,400 cases of cognitive decline were identified, representing 26% of non-exercisers, 14% of weekend warriors, and 18.5% of the regularly active group.
After taking into account age, education, tobacco use, sleep patterns, diet, and alcohol consumption, the study authors determined that weekend warriors were 25% less likely to develop mild dementia than those who did not exercise. .
The likelihood of mild cognitive impairment was reduced by 11% in regularly active people and by 16% in the combined group.
The researchers also considered about 450 people whose assessment scores put them in line for a mild cognitive impairment diagnosis.
Compared with non-exercisers, weekend warriors were 13% less likely to develop mild dementia under the changed parameters.
The regularly active group and the combined group each had 12% lower odds. The results were similar for men and women.
“To the best of our knowledge, this is the first prospective cohort study to show that weekend warrior physical activity patterns and regularly active physical activity patterns are associated with similar reductions in the risk of mild dementia,” the researchers wrote Tuesday. British Journal of Sports Medicine,
They estimate that 13% of cases of cognitive decline could be avoided if all middle-aged adults exercised at least once or twice a week.
Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans It says that each week, adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity – which can be spread over several days or done all at once – and two days of muscle strengthening. Needed
Known for physical activity improve brain health In many ways.
“Exercise may increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentrations [molecules that support the growth and survival of neurons] and brain plasticity,” the study authors wrote. “Physical activity is also linked to greater brain volume, greater executive function and more memory,
The study had several limitations, including how participants reported their dementia history and physical activity, which was not measured objectively.
Nevertheless, the study authors say their findings “have important implications for policy and practice as the weekend warrior physical activity pattern may be a more convenient option for busy people.”
People in Latin America and elsewhere.”
a separate studypublished last month, found that weekend warriors could reduce the risk of developing 264 diseases just as much as people who exercised all week.
