Take A Walk to Protect Your Memory

Another study has joined the chorus that physical exercise may help prevent mental decline among older adults.

The latest research comes from the National Institute of Aging and was published in the October 13th online issue of the American Academy of Neurology's Neurology.

In the study, scientists recruited 299 dementia-free people. These respondents recorded the number of blocks they walked per week.

Nine years later, their brains were scanned to measure brain size. At this point, the results showed that participants who had walked at least 72 blocks per week, roughly equaling six to nine miles, had greater gray matter volume than people who didn't walk as much.

Walking more than 72 blocks didn't make brains any bigger.

Four years later, scientists returned again.

Tests were given to determine if anyone had developed dementia. Forty percent of the participants had developed cognitive impairment. However, those who had walked the most cut their risk of developing memory problems in half.

"Our results should encourage well-designed trials of physical exercise in older adults as a promising approach for preventing dementia and Alzheimer's disease," said study author Kirk I. Erickson with the University of Pittsburgh.