Walking reduces chance of Dementia

An observational study suggests that walking 6 - 9 miles weekly may have an impact on reducing the risk of dementia, has been carried out by the U.S. National Institute on Aging and has been published online Oct. 13 in Neurology.

As with all diseases people want a quick fix and while that may not be possible for many situations perhaps walking will be an easy "quick" fix to avoid dementia. The study followed people of the average age of 70 years old and looked to see if there were any correlations with their cognitive and physical patterns. They followed them for four years. At the end of the time period they found that those individuals who engaged in physical activity, mainly walking had lowered the risk of the onset of dementia. In cases where the individual's had some brain defects they found that if they walked their condition didn't progress at the rate of those who were not physically active.

The study showed that in oder for the individuals to benefit from weekly walking they had to be walking from 6 - 9 miles each week. The simple act of walking weekly can save brain tissue! Begin now. If you are already considered "elderly" begin to activate your life day be day until you are able to walk daily. If you are still young adopt a lifestyle of physical activity, become acquainted with exercise enjoy it's benefits today and in later years when dementia and other diseases threaten you.