Exercising during the weekend could be just as effective in reducing the risk of mental decline as exercising regularly throughout the week, according to a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Researchers have found that engaging in physical activity on one or two days per week can be more beneficial in lowering the risk of mild dementia compared to more frequent workouts.
This study contributes to the growing body of evidence indicating that the key to improving health through exercise is simply doing it, regardless of the frequency. Another recent study revealed that being a “weekend warrior” in terms of exercise can reduce the risk of developing over 200 diseases, including high blood pressure, diabetes, mood disorders, and kidney disease.
The research concluded that those who exercised once or twice a week as “weekend warriors” experienced a 15% reduction in the risk of mild dementia, while those who were regularly active and exercised more frequently saw a 10% decrease in risk. Taking into consideration various factors such as age, lifestyle habits, and diet, both exercise patterns were shown to have similar effects on reducing the risk of mild dementia.
The study emphasized that approximately 10% of mild dementia cases could be prevented if middle-aged adults engaged in sports or exercise once or twice a week. This finding highlights the importance of physical activity in maintaining brain health and cognitive function. The researchers also noted that the “weekend warrior” exercise pattern is associated with a reduced risk of mild dementia, making it a convenient option for busy individuals.
The study, conducted by academics from Colombia, Chile, and Glasgow, analyzed survey data from the Mexico City Prospective Study. With over 10,000 participants, the research explored the potential benefits of exercise on brain health and cognitive function. The authors suggested that exercise may increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentrations, support brain plasticity, and improve brain volume, executive function, and memory.
Additionally, a separate study published in the same journal revealed that exercise at any intensity is linked to a 30% lower risk of death from any cause following a dementia diagnosis. This highlights the importance of encouraging individuals affected by dementia to maintain or start an exercise routine, as it may positively impact their life expectancy post-diagnosis.
In conclusion, engaging in physical activity, even just on weekends, can have significant benefits for both physical and mental health. The studies underscore the importance of incorporating exercise into daily or weekly routines for overall well-being and reducing the risk of cognitive decline and various diseases.
