Need a good reason to hit the gym? Try this. A new study finds that individuals who are the most fit in their 40s and 50s have a significantly lower risk of dementia when they get older.
Researchers collected data on nearly 20,000 people whose mean age was 50 at the start. Their fitness levels were tested on a treadmill and then they were followed up to age 85.
They found that by age 92, more than half of those who were the most fit according to the treadmill test were free of dementia, compared to only 40 of those who were the least fit. The study was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Many surveys have shown that at midlife, people are more scared of dementia than any other potential future infirmity. If you're in that group, the takeaway from this study is that you should get moving – at least 45 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day of the week.
