Good news for those who skipped the gym today. Weekend warriors may lower your risk of mild dementia as much as gym rats. discovered in new research.
More than 10,000 middle-aged Mexican residents were divided into four groups based on their exercise habits. These include people who do not exercise, weekend warriors who exercise or play sports once or twice a week, regularly active people who exercise three or more times a week, and combinations of these groups. People who work regularly with Weekend Warriors.
Researchers in Chile and other countries monitored and tested participants for an average of 16 years. evaluation This is to check whether you have developed mild cognitive impairment, which is often a precursor to dementia.
Approximately 2,400 cases of cognitive decline were identified, representing 26% of the sedentary group, 14% of the weekend warriors, and 18.5% of the regularly active group.
After taking into account age, education, smoking, sleep patterns, diet, and alcohol intake, the study authors concluded that weekend warriors were 25% less likely to develop mild dementia than sedentary people. Ta.
People who were regularly active had an 11% lower chance of developing mild cognitive impairment, and a 16% lower chance for the combined group.
The researchers also considered about 450 people whose scores on the assessment could lead to a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment.
Compared to people who did not exercise, weekend warriors were 13% less likely to develop mild dementia under the modified parameters.
The regular and combined groups each had a 12% reduction in odds. The results were similar for men and women.
“To our knowledge, this is the first prospective cohort study to show that weekend warrior physical activity patterns and regularly vigorous physical activity patterns are associated with similar reductions in the risk of mild dementia. Yes,” the researchers wrote on Tuesday. British Journal of Sports Medicine.
They estimate that 13% of cognitive decline could be avoided if all middle-aged adults exercised at least once or twice a week.
of Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans It states that adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (which can be done over several days or all at once) and two days of muscle strengthening each week.
Physical activity is known to improve brain health in a variety of 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 associated with increased brain volume, increased executive function, and increased memory.”
The study had some limitations, including that participants did not report their own history of dementia or physical activity, which was not measured objectively.
Nevertheless, the study authors said their findings “have important implications for policy and practice, as weekend warrior physical activity patterns may be a more convenient option for busy people.” states.
People from Latin America and other regions. ”
Another study published last month found that people who exercise on the weekends can lower their risk of developing 264 diseases, just as those who exercise throughout the week.
