Exercise key to reducing risk of dementia

Published: 12/12/2013

A 35-year long study has found exercising throughout your life can significantly reduce your chance of developing dementia in later life.

The study, conducted by Cardiff University, followed 2235 men from Caerphilly, South Wales and found there were five factors that were ‘integral to help avoid disease’:

• Regular exercise
• Not smoking
• Low bodyweight
• Healthy diet
• Low alcohol intake.

The study found that participants who followed four of these five factors had a 60 per cent decline in dementia and cognitive decline rates. Exercise, however, was named the strongest extenuating factor.

Linda Cummins is the Head of Wills and Probate at Goldsmith Williams:

“This research is a huge step forward in the prevention of this devastating disease and demonstrates how essential a healthy lifestyle really is.

“With an ageing population dementia is likely to affect more and more individuals. In fact it is predicted that by 2050 135million people worldwide will suffer from dementia. This is not only an incredibly difficult time emotionally for families it can also result in financial troubles.

“Should a family member become unable to look after their affairs – be it due to dementia or even after suffering an accident – no one has the automatic right or ability to take over their finances. This includes their spouse or partner. As a result critical bills such as mortgages, council tax or energy bills could go unpaid.

“A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document which allows you to appoint an Attorney to look after your affairs if you are unable to do so. This can include any decisions about your finances and property as well as your personal wellbeing.”

Content correct at time of publication