More than 4,000 people participated in the study.
It was found that the most active participants, aged around 50 and over 70, had a 41-45% lower chance of facing dementia compared to those who were less active.
The researchers followed the participants for 37 years and discovered that physical activity in young adulthood (around 30 years old) does not have a significant impact on the risk of cognitive impairment. The greatest benefit for brain health comes from exercise in middle and older age.
The authors of the study emphasize that the results may be relevant for the development of preventive programs. Regular walks and moderate physical activity for people over 50 can delay or reduce the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
