Regular physical activity in midlife is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of dementia, according to experts at the Alzheimer's Society. The charity advises that doing a combination of aerobic and strength-building activities can help lower the chances of developing the condition.
Why exercise matters
Alzheimer's Society experts state that physical activity is good for the heart, circulation, weight and mental wellbeing. They explain that there are two main types of physical activity – aerobic activity and strength-building activity – and each keeps you fit in different ways. Doing a combination of these activities will help reduce dementia risk.
The NHS also encourages people to exercise for at least 150 minutes every week through moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as cycling or fast walking, or as much as they are able to. This should help prevent the condition.
Other lifestyle changes that lower risk
The Alzheimer's Society also urges people to drink less alcohol, reduce or stop smoking, stay mentally well and socially active, manage long-term health conditions, protect eyesight and hearing, protect the head, and reduce exposure to polluted air.
The NHS suggests stopping smoking, keeping alcohol to a minimum, eating a healthy balanced diet with at least five portions of fruit and vegetables daily, ensuring blood pressure is checked and controlled through regular health tests, and for those with diabetes, keeping to the diet and taking medicine.
Recognising the signs of Alzheimer's
The first sign of Alzheimer's disease is usually minor memory problems, such as forgetting recent conversations, names, events, places or objects. As the condition progresses, memory problems become more severe and additional symptoms may develop, including confusion, disorientation, getting lost in familiar places, difficulty planning or making decisions, problems with speech and language, problems moving around or performing self-care tasks, behaviour changes such as aggression or suspicion, hallucinations, delusions, and low mood or anxiety.
