Exercise Reduces Risk of Dementia 

Some of the best news to come out of recent research is the discovery that exercise can reduce the risk of dementia in those with a family history of it. In fact, researchers can now estimate just how much exercise is needed to make a difference. 

How many steps make a difference?

Recently, researchers in the US measured the decrease in dementia risk against a specific number of steps per day. They found that, as steps per day increase, the risk of dementia decreases, until a maximum of 9800 steps a day is reached. After that, there is no further decrease in dementia risk.  

How few steps make a difference?

Researchers found that taking only 3,800 steps a day is associated with half as much of a decrease as is found with 9,800 steps a day.  

Does speed matter?

When looking at walking speed, researchers found that the maximum benefit occurred with a per-minute rate of 112 steps averaged over the course of 30 minutes. 

If you have a family history of dementia, or even if you don’t, it’s great to know what to do to help keep your mind sharp for the long term.