Exercise in older adults 'can combat dementia'

New research has found that older adults may be able to keep the development of dementia at bay through exercise.

Researchers looked at medical records of 638 people from Scotland born in 1936 and discovered taking regular exercise may better protect against brain shrinkage than engaging in mental or social activities.

Commenting on the results of the report, Professor Clive Ballard, research director of the Alzheimer's Society, stated that while dementia is one of people's biggest fears in later life, exercise is one of the ways to keep the illness at bay.

"Keeping your mind stimulated can be fun, but exercise has been proven to prevent cognitive decline in many studies," he said.

Professor Ballard added that he believes the research gives people further reason to get active and workout to ward off the effects of dementia.

According to a study conducted by researcher Amy Huebschmann of the University of Colorado School of Medicine, exercise could also ease premature cardiovascular ageing caused by type 2 diabetes.

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