How to move away from your dementia risk
I'm a great proponent of the life-enhancing power of moderate-to-vigorous exercise almost every day. And a new study out of the University of Southern California reinforces just how important it is to get such leisure-time physical activity.
Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of around 10 years of data on 4.2 million people and found that leisure-time exercise, such as walking, cycling, running, swimming or playing sports, is associated with a big drop in your risk for dementia. Interestingly, work-related strenuous physical activity is associated with increased risk!
Compared to folks getting the least amount of leisure-time exercise, recreationally active folks reduced their risk for dementia by 24%. In contrast, strenuous work-related activities were associated with a 20% higher dementia risk.
Why is leisure-time activity more brain-protective? The researchers suggest benefits come from the fact that when you're doing recreational activities, you're the boss of what you do, how intensely you do it and for how long and in what environment you enjoy it. In addition, leisure-time exercise often promotes social interaction and is a powerful stress reducer -- all great anti-aging techniques.
So, if you have a physically demanding job, don't sofa-surf when you get home. And for everyone, it's important to take a walk, join an aerobics class, work out at the gym or take a swim. The day's emotional and physical stress will dissipate as you lower inflammation -- and boost your brain health.
For more ways to avoid dementia, read "The Great Age Reboot" and explore the brain benefits of therapeutic plasma exchange at LifeSpan-Edge.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at drmikerealage@gmail.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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