Exercise 'can prevent dementia'

Latest research has reinforced the view that exercising and using a computer can help to prevent cognitive decline and dementia in older adults.

Now scientists are pleading for volunteers over the age of 60 to engage in an investigation into the changes the brain undergoes during ageing, BBC reports.

The Cognitive Health in Ageing project hopes to develop a clearer understanding of these neurological adaptations in an effort to understand if exercise helps to decrease the rate at which cognitive decline occurs, or if it helps the brain to compensate.

It is hoped the study will provide results to influence and improve exercise programmes for people with dementia.

The investigation is being led by university academics at the Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity and Centre for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain.

Those who volunteer to take part in the research will be monitored while they undertake either a four-week programme of computer-based tasks or 12 weeks of physical exercise.

Find out about dementia care and support services at Barchester care homes.