Physical activity of any intensity is associated with a 30% reduction in the risk of death in dementia patients. This was shown by a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM).
Scientists analyzed data from 60,000 patients from South Korea who were diagnosed with dementia. The average age of the participants was 74 years, three quarters suffered from Alzheimer's disease, 12.5% - vascular dementia, the rest had other forms of the disease.
Physical activity before and after dementia diagnosis was associated with a reduced risk of mortality. The result was observed for any type of dementia and any intensity of activity. In this case, the more time a person devoted to sports, the lower their risk of death was.
The study does not prove a causal relationship between exercise and a reduced risk of death. However, the researchers recommended light activity at least five times a week for at least 30 minutes, or vigorous activity three or more times a week for 20 minutes. Those who met these criteria had a 30 percent lower risk of death than those with sedentary lifestyles.
Running, aerobics, fast cycling and climbing heights for more than 20 minutes were defined as high-intensity exercise. Moderate-intensity activity included brisk walking, tennis, and bicycling at a regular pace for more than 30 minutes. Light intensity activity included walking for more than 30 minutes.
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