Alzheimer's Society Comment On New Research Demonstrating That Exercise Improves Cognition In People With Mild Cognitive Impairment, Published In JAMA

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Article Date: 04 Sep 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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Regular exercise is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of dementia and can help slow progression of the condition.

This study demonstrates that exercise improves cognition in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment, and that there is a lasting effect even after the exercise intervention stops.

Mild Cognitive Impairment is a term used to describe someone who has mild memory problems that are not serious enough to interfere with every day life. It does not necessarily lead to dementia, but does increase risk of developing the condition.

We need more research to investigate whether exercise not only improves cognition, but also stops people with Mild Cognitive Impairment developing dementia.

Dr Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society

Notes

- 1 in 3 people over 65 will die with dementia.

- 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051. 1 in 6 people over 80 have dementia.

- Alzheimer's Society campaigns for and champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions who care for them. Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

- As a charity, Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to care for people today and to find a cure for tomorrow. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting http://www.alzheimers.org.uk.

Alzheimer's Society