A new study, published in the journal Neurology, showed that a sufficient level of physical activity in women in middle age reduces the risk of developing dementia by almost 90%.

In the study, the researchers analyzed the state of health and the level of physical fitness for almost 200 women aged 38-60 years (the average age is 50 years). Participants were asked to ride a bicycle until they were tired to measure their peak cardiovascular load. Forty women noted a high level of physical fitness, while 92 had an average, and 59 had a low. Some of the participants were placed in a category with low physical fitness, because they could not finish the test because of increased blood pressure, chest pain or other health problems. Over the next decades, researchers monitored the memory and thinking of participants.

The results of the study showed that only 5% of women who had a high level of physical fitness in middle age developed dementia, compared with 25% of women from the group with an average level of physical fitness and 32% from a group with a low level of physical fitness. At the same time, almost half - 45% - of those who could not finish the test for determining physical fitness, developed dementia. As for the participants from all the groups that had dementia, in physically active women this happened about 10 years later than in the less active.

Scientists emphasize that maintaining a good shape through training and healthy eating is the way to reduce the risk of developing dementia in old age, as well as maintaining the health of the cardiovascular system and overall well-being. The fact is that a high level of physical training can have a direct effect on brain cells, and also "trains" the cardiovascular system.

But what about women who were not physically active until the age of 50-60? Can training help them maintain cognitive health?

Scientists believe that yes, although the positive effect of exercise is likely to be less. Physical activity can be useful even for those who have already developed dementia.

In general, it is never too late or too early to start practicing approaches to a healthy lifestyle, including doing physical exercises. And it does not matter which physical activity is involved. Any exercises that a woman likes are useful.

apteka. ua.

Keywords:.