A recent study by Middleton and colleagues (2011) found that physical activity in midlife and late life may have a positive effect on reducing dementia and cognitive impairment. Higher intensity physical activity especially may be more effective at preventing or slowing the onset of cognitive impairments compared to lower intensity physical activity or inactivity.

This study also found that even after controlling for other factors related to energy expenditure, such as fat-free mass and diabetes, individuals who were more physically active had lower odds of cognitive impairment in later life.

What does this mean for you?

Not only is physical activity good for you body, but for your mind too! This research confirms that if we don’t continue to train our bodies, our minds may suffer too. Aging may inevitably bring about some level of cognitive decline; however, being physically active can reduce the rate in which this decline occurs and keep us sharp for years to come. If you’re inactive, start NOW by getting up and adding some movement to your day. And if you’re already moderately active, try integrating bouts of higher intensity activity into your routine to help your mind benefit even further.

Middleton, L.E., Manini, T.M., Simonsick, E.M., Harris, T.B., Barnes, D.E., Tylavsky, F., Brach, J.S., (2011) Activity energy expenditure and incident cognitive impairment in older adults. Arch Intern Med, 171 (14), 1251-1257.