Barchester News

Moderate exercise 'fights against dementia'
10/12/2008
Taking part in moderate exercise as little as twice a week may help prevent the onset of dementia, it has been stated.

Taking part in moderate exercise as little as twice a week may help prevent the onset of dementia, it has been stated.

Embracing an active lifestyle can even delay the progression of the condition in a person already diagnosed, according to geriatrician Dr Zaldy S Tan of the Memory Disorders Clinic at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard University in Boston.

He told the Boston Channel: "The majority of these studies showed measurable improvements in cognitive function in those who exercised regularly.

"Interestingly, they also found improvements in specific mental functions, including memory, attention, cognitive speed and motor function."

Dr Tan added that the key to the success of exercise is to tie it to an enjoyable activity such as a sport or dancing, as this meant it would make it something that could be done regularly.

Last week, author Terry Pratchett highlighted the problems of dementia by delivering a petition to Downing Street to persuade the government to invest more into the research of the condition.

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