Just one hour of exercise a week can help beat off dementia in old age
A study of 11,000 people aged over 60 years found just 17 minutes of exercise a day helped to improve their ability to pay attention
JUST an hour of exercise a week can boost the brain and help stave off dementia in old age, experts claim.
Scientists believe almost any kind of exercise, from running and cycling to yoga and tai chi, can reverse mental decline if kept up for at least six months.
A study of 11,000 people aged over 60 found that around 17 minutes of exercise a day improved their ability to pay attention and achieve goals.
The research is the first to come up with a precise figure for how much exercise is effective.
It also showed that time spent on fitness is most important, not the frequency or intensity.
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Dr Joyce Gomes-Osman, author of the Florida study, said: “We were excited to see that even people in lower intensity exercise programmes showed a benefit to thinking skills.
“Not everyone has the endurance or motivation to start a moderate programme but everyone can benefit even from a less- intense plan.
“Using exercise to combat sedentary behaviour may also be why thinking skills improved.”
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