Five things you might not know about dementia and exercise
Most people know exercise is good for your body, but fewer realise how powerful it can be for your brain.
Here are five things you might not have known about the link between dementia and staying active – and how our programs at the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre can help.
1. Women are more affected
Dementia Australia reports that two out of three Australians living with dementia are women. That’s why making movement part of everyday life is especially important for women. Research supports this finding: a 44-year study of Swedish women, published in Neurology, found that those who engaged in higher levels of physical and cognitive activity in midlife were significantly less likely to develop dementia later in life.
2. Dementia is rising in the Illawarra
Right now, 5,934 local people are living with dementia, and that number is expected to almost double to 10,851 by 2054.
The good news? Regular exercise is one of the simplest ways to take action and help lower your risk, according to a study of more than 500,000 participants.
The UK Biobank study found that even exercising just once or twice a week can reduce the risk of dementia by up to 15%.
3. Science says exercise works
Research around the world has shown the benefits. The Canadian Study of Health and Aging found that women who exercised were significantly less likely to develop the most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Australian studies back it up
Closer to home, the Maintain Your Brain trial found that older Australians who increased their activity had sharper thinking skills over three years. The ISLAND study in Tasmania showed that vigorous activity was linked with healthier brain markers.
5. Exercise comes in many forms
At Illawarra Women’s Health Centre, we make movement enjoyable and social.
You can join our Yoga, Stretch, Pilates, Belly Dancing and Walking sessions. Please contact our reception on 4255 6800 to register. Please note that some activities incur a cost.
- Belly Dancing – Tuesdays at 7pm –
- Pilates – Wednesdays at 7.30am
- Be You Yoga – Wednesdays at 12.30pm
- Qigong with Myra – Thursdays at 3pm
- Yoga – Fridays at 9am
- Walking Group – Fortnightly on Wednesdays at 8.45am at our Northern Site.