The way a person moves, not just how often they move, may matter when it comes to protecting the brain from cognitive decline, according to a report by U.S. News and World Report.
Researchers have been examining how different types of physical activity affect dementia risk, and the findings point toward meaningful differences between various forms of exercise. Aerobic activities, which elevate the heart rate, appear to offer particular benefits for brain health. These include walking, swimming, and cycling. But resistance training and other forms of movement may also contribute in distinct ways.
The research builds on well-established evidence that physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for dementia. What is newer is the attention being paid to whether the structure and type of movement matters as much as the total volume of activity.
One line of research has looked at whether coordinated or complex movements, such as dancing or certain sports, may offer cognitive benefits beyond what simpler repetitive exercise provides. The engagement of multiple brain systems during complex movement is thought to be a factor in those potential benefits.
Timing across the lifespan also appears to matter. Evidence suggests that physical activity in midlife may be especially important for reducing dementia risk later on. Researchers noted that it is not too late to benefit from increased activity even in older age, but that building lifelong habits carries the strongest protective effect.
U.S. News and World Report noted that experts stop short of recommending any single type of exercise as definitively protective against dementia. The current evidence supports a combination of aerobic and strength-based activity, and researchers emphasize that any increase in movement is likely to be beneficial.
Dementia currently affects more than 55 million people worldwide, and that number is expected to rise significantly as populations age. Physical activity is one of the few modifiable risk factors that researchers believe can meaningfully reduce a person's likelihood of developing the condition.