DementiaExercise For Health.

Q: What is dementia?

A: Dementia is a condition that interferes with the

ability to function at work or during usual activities.

It represents a decline from previous levels of

function. Is not explained by delirium or major

psychiatric disorder. It can be defined as a cognitive

impairment (either impaired memory, reasoning,

language or visual-spatial abilities, or changes in

personality)

Q: Are low levels ofphysical activity a riskfactor for dementia?

A: Individuals who habitually perform

low levels of physical activity are at

increased risk of developing dementia

in later life

Q: Is poor bodycomposition a risk factor

for dementia?

A: Having a high body mass index and

waist circumference or waist-to-hip

ratio in mid-life increase the risk of

developing dementia in later life

Q: What are other riskfactors for dementia?

A: Risk factors for dementia include

lifestyle features such as smoking, not

eating enough fruits and vegetables,

lower levels of social interaction and

intellectual stimulation, and fewer

years of education

Q: Is exercise useful fordementia?

A: Exercise or physical activity interventions

improve strength, endurance and measures

of physical function in activities of daily

living (ADLS) in individuals with dementia.

They may also reduce the rate of cognitive

decline and alleviate anxiety and

depression measures

Q: Is aerobic exerciseuseful for dementia?

A: There are good indications that aerobic

exercise is able to improve cognitive

function, regardless of the type of cognitive

task, the training method, or the

characteristics of the subjects. Such

improvements may occur in tandem with

beneficial increases in brain volume

Q: Is resistance-traininguseful for dementia?

A: There are some indications that

resistance training may be able to help

improve cognitive function and alleviate

anxiety and negative mood in elderly

populations, in addition to the known

positive effects on physical function

For more information:www.exercise-for-health.com/dementia

Exercise For Health.