How Can You Prevent Cognitive Decline?

A study of ~1000 nondemented individuals aged 70 to 93 years who completed questionnaires on physical exercise, computer use, and caloric intake. People who who engaged in both moderate physical exercise and computer use had significantly decreased odds of having Mild Cognitive Impairment (after accounting for caloric intake.)

What is the definition of moderate physical exercise? Brisk walking, hiking, aerobics, strength training, golfing without a golf cart, swimming, tennis doubles, moderate use of exercise machines, yoga, martial arts, and weight lifting.

How is this interacting with computer use? The researchers speculated that physical exercise may target a particular circuit in the brain whereas computer use may enhance functional connections contributing to cognitive reserve.

 

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