Daily ritual can reduce risk of dementia risk by 20 percent, experts reveal

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
Dementia, affecting nearly a million individuals across the UK, is a syndrome associated with a decline in brain function. The most prevalent forms are Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.
The syndrome can manifest through memory loss, diminished mental sharpness, judgement, and thinking speed, as well as alterations in mood, movement, and the ability to perform daily tasks.
However, experts suggest that one way to lower the risk of developing dementia is by maintaining regular physical activity.
Alzheimer's UK highlights that research on middle-aged or older adults indicates that exercise can lead to enhancements in cognitive abilities and memory, along with "reduced rates of dementia".
Indeed, studies have demonstrated that those who engage in consistent exercise could be up to 20 per cent less likely to develop dementia compared to inactive individuals, reports Surrey Live.
"Sustaining physical activity throughout midlife also seems to have the best effect on reducing dementia risk," the organisation notes.
One particular study found that older adults who were least physically active had over double the risk of developing Alzheimer's compared to their more active counterparts.
A recent study conducted by researchers at University College London, which was published earlier this year, delved into health data from over 450 individuals tracked since their birth in 1946.
This research examined the influence of physical activity patterns across three decades on brain health at age 70.
Research has revealed that physical activity, particularly before the age of 50, is associated with a larger hippocampus - the brain region primarily linked to memory.
Those who maintained an active lifestyle were less likely to experience cognitive decline, even if they exhibited key markers of Alzheimer's disease.
"Our findings show that staying active throughout your life, especially before turning 50, can help keep your brain healthy and delay early signs of Alzheimer's. This is especially true for women," stated the study's lead author, Dr Sarah-Naomi James.
Alzheimer's UK recommends choosing enjoyable activities or using workout videos for motivation to increase exercise levels.
The organisation also suggests using wearable devices like fitness tracker watches, or smartphone apps like the NHS Couch to 5K to monitor progress, and participating in group activities such as hiking, which it describes as a "great way to connect and interact with people".
"Being active doesn't have to involve going to the gym or running a marathon. You are more likely to do regular physical activity if you find things you enjoy doing," explained Alzheimer's Research UK.
The charity also advised being active every day and trying not to sit for extended periods. It added: "If you have to, then break it up with movement or activity of any kind."

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Daily Mail​

4 hours ago

• Daily Mail​

Simple blood test capable of identifying if you will rapidly develop severe Alzheimer's

A simple blood test can tell which patients will rapidly develop severe Alzheimer's, a study reveals today. Identifying those with mild cognitive impairment who are most likely to suffer an accelerated decline could allow them to enter clinical trials and receive extra support, researchers say. Neurologists tested 315 non-diabetic patients with cognitive deficits, including 200 with Alzheimer's disease, for resistance to insulin – a hormone that regulates blood-sugar levels. This was assessed using the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index. Among those with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's, individuals with the highest TyG scores declined four times faster over the three-year follow-up period than those with lower TyG levels. Researchers suggest that insulin resistance, which has already been linked to the onset of Alzheimer's, may accelerate progression by impairing the uptake of glucose in the brain, promotinginflammation and disrupting the blood-brain barrier. It may also contribute to the build-up of amyloid, a toxic protein, in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. The scientists at the University of Brescia, Italy, also found that high TyG was associated with blood-brain barrier disruption and cardiovascular risk factors. But they found no link between high TyG and other neurodegenerative diseases. Their study will be presented today at the European Academy of Neurology Congressin Helsinki. Lead researcher Dr Bianca Gumina said: 'Once mild cognitive impairment is diagnosed, families always ask how fast it will progress. 'Our data shows that a simple metabolic marker available in every hospital laboratorycan help identify more vulnerable subjects who may besuitable candidates for targeted therapy or specificintervention strategies.'

The Independent

7 hours ago

• The Independent

The simple blood test that can predict Alzheimer's decline

Alzheimer 's decline could be predicted with a simple blood test already offered to those at risk of type 2 diabetes. The disease is the most common type of dementia, with symptoms including confusion, speech and language issues, problems with moving around and behaviour changes. Around a million people in the UK are living with dementia, but that figure is projected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040, Alzheimer's UK warns. There is currently no cure for the disease nor any definitive way to predict how quickly it will progress, only medicines to help relieve some of the symptoms. However, research presented at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Congress 2025 suggests a blood test used to detect insulin resistance could also identify patients at a high risk of cognitive decline. Neurologists at the University of Brescia, in Italy, analysed data from 315 non-diabetic patients with cognitive deficits – that included 200 people with Alzheimer's disease. All participants were tested for insulin resistance using the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index – a low-cost, widely available marker calculated from standard blood test. They were then followed up three years later. Participants were divided into groups of varying cognitive impairment and also separated according to their insulin resistance score. Among those with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's, individuals with the highest TyG scores declined four times faster than those with lower TyG levels – but this link was not seen in the group with cognitive impairment not caused by Alzheimer's. 'Once mild cognitive impairment is diagnosed, families always ask how fast it will progress,' said lead investigator Dr Bianca Gumina. 'Our data show that a simple metabolic marker available in every hospital laboratory can help identify more vulnerable subjects who may be suitable candidates for targeted therapy or specific intervention strategies.' It's believed insulin resistance impairs glucose uptake in the brain, which means it is less active. This can lead to increased inflammation in the brain disrupting the blood-brain barrier and contributing to amyloid build-up – a protein that can form toxic plaques in the brain - all of which are linked with the progression of Alzheimer's disease. While inflammation is the body's defence mechanism which responds to damage and infection to keep us healthy, too much of a good thing can have consequences, Alzheimer's Research explains. When these toxic proteins build up in people with Alzheimer's, the brain fights back with an inflammatory response to keep the damage at bay. But this is thought to cause more damage. 'We were surprised to see the effect only in the Alzheimer's spectrum and not in other neurodegenerative diseases', Dr Gumina noted. She suggested it highlights that there is a 'disease-specific vulnerability' to insulin resistance and interventions could change the trajectory of the disease. Researchers also found high insulin resistance was associated with blood–brain barrier disruption and cardiovascular risk factors, but these were not associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's progression. It's hoped these findings could help detect Alzheimer's patients who are at a high-risk of cognitive decline early and enrol them in more targeted clinical trials – such as anti-amyloid trials. This blood test could also be used to make timely interventions to improve their insulin sensitivity. 'If targeting metabolism can delay progression, we will have a readily modifiable target that works alongside emerging disease-modifying drugs', concluded Dr Gumina. The researchers are currently investigating whether levels of insulin resistance also track with neuroimaging biomarkers- brain scans which indicate the structure, function and chemistry of the organ as well as diagnosing neurological conditions.

Scottish Sun

16 hours ago

• Scottish Sun

I'm a pet expert, these are the common garden essentials that could be KILLING your dog, you must act now

Our expert reveals when to seek help from a vet URGENT WARNING I'm a pet expert, these are the common garden essentials that could be KILLING your dog, you must act now WITH the UK enjoying hot weather this weekend, plenty of us will be spending more time outside in our garden. And as much as we want our furry friends to join us, dog owners are being warned of the potentially fatal things lurking on your plot. 1 Experts have revealed the common garden essentials that could be poisoning your dog Credit: Getty Many people spend more time gardening in the summer, using fertiliser to help their gardens bloom. But as Ross Hallifax, from pet insurance specialist Purely Pets, explains: 'Not only can dogs experience skin and foot irritation if they walk on fertiliser, but it can cause stomach upset if ingested due to its toxic ingredients like nitrogen and phosphorus.' But it's not just fertiliser that can cause a problem for our pooches. Used to help control unwanted garden visitors, both dry and wet pesticides can also be dangerous to your dog and irritate their skin and digestive system if consumed. Read More on Pets DOG DAYS Dog owners urged to avoid 'hidden danger' this week - check breeds most at risk Snail and slug bait can also be highly toxic and if consumed, can cause severe tremors. And for those refreshing their garden shed or outdoor space this summer, be careful of paint. Both the fumes released during painting, and the product itself, can be toxic to our pets due to its high-chemical content. If you suspect your dog has ingested something they shouldn't have, look out for signs of vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity or restlessness, tremors, seizures, or fits, or blood in the stool. Ross adds: 'If you suspect your dog has been exposed to any of these toxins, try to call your vet immediately and explain what's happened so they can help identify the best course of treatment.' Vet Dr Sarah-Jane Molier previously warned dog owners over fake grass as it can absorb heat, making it more likely a pup could be hurt. How to keep pets safe during a heatwave Dr Sarah-Jane Molier told Pets Radar: "Tarmac, asphalt and fake grass are the most common culprits. "They absorb heat throughout the day and retain it well, meaning they stay hot for quite some time." It may not always easy to tell when your dog has injured itself. Owners should look out for any limping or resting of one leg that switches between the two. Vet Dr. Rachel Siu reveals the 5 dogs she'd never own By Marsha O'Mahony HUSKY Beautiful, intelligent, and super-active, like a Border Collie, a Husky is a working dog and likes to keep busy. If you lead a sedentary life, then this guy is not for you, and you are not for him. It should be no surprise that Huskies love the cold - look at that coat of fur. So, living in 110 degrees in Texas is pretty grim for these dogs. DACHSHUND Adorable, cute, funny, and they can be very expensive. The basic physiology of these sausage dogs does them no favours. "Because of their long backs, they're really prone to intervertebral disc disease," said Dr. Rachel. You would be wise to keep a pot of money aside just in case because back surgery is likely to be expensive. GREAT DANE These lolloping, loving, and gregarious dogs are "goofballs." But they have short lifespans, developing health issues early on in life. Prepare yourself for heartbreak. DOODLE These are the current "it" dog, they are everywhere. They can be mixed with pretty much any other breed. Their popularity has soared in recent years, with pet owners attracted to their low maintenance and hypoallergenic qualities. But this couldn't be further from the truth, said our vet. "These dogs are often mixed with shedding dogs so they do shed and they also need grooming very frequently," she wrote. Their temperament is unpredictable and she has seen some that are wonderful to work with and others who have serious behavioral problems. BULLDOGS These guys are adorable but they have serious respiratory problems. Genetics are not on the side of any brachycephalic dog. "I just would not own them," she said. "They're just not a healthy breed. They struggle to breathe with their smooshed faces." Like the Dachshund, they also suffer from intervertebral disc disease. If your canine companion doesn't get excited for going on a walk, it could also be a sign. They will often lick or chew their wounded paws, and be hesitant to let you touch them. Some more obvious signs include patchy discolouration on the pads as well as blisters and peeling. If you think your dog has burned paws, take them to the vet.