Walking and Dementia

Recent findings from the University of Pittsburgh shows that we just may be able to keep dementia at bay by walking. According to AARP, the most popular senior activity, walking, may have more benefits than expected.

It appears from this study at the University of Pittsburgh that walking just six miles a week can prevent the brain from shrinking. As we get older, our brains shrink which is one of the causes of dementia. Exercising will keep the blood flowing to the brain and that helps to bring the brain nutrients and remove toxins. It's a huge benefit to our brains to put those red sneakers on and get out there for a stroll.

Exercise has many benefits for our bodies, especially in midlife. Now, there's another reason to keep exercising and hopefully prevent dementia.

The study had 299 participants whose average age was 78 and had no signs of dementia. Participants were asked to keep a weekly journal of how many blocks they walked each week. They did this for nine years.

After nine years, researchers used brain scans on each of the participants to measure the size of their brains. The results showed that the participants who were walking about 6 miles a week had less or no shrinkage than those who were walking less than that. The best results were for those who were walking between 6-9 miles a week. Anything over 9 miles showed no further improvement.

This is great news to help prevent dementia but there is some problems with getting seniors to go for a walk. One problem with getting seniors to go for a daily walk is their fear of falling. Seniors who have fallen become very fearful about walking and it's a very valid fear. Falling can kill a senior and they, of course, know that. These seniors may need extra support from a cane or a wheeled-walker. With the aid of canes or wheeled walkers, most seniors can get around pretty easily and it does help boost their confidence.

Our Dad, who is 93, has fallen several times and is very fearful of walking. He barely walks now and instead sits in a Lazy Boy chair all day. He's capable of walking, but he's afraid to. His dementia set in a year or so ago and since he stopped walking in the past six months, his dementia has increased quite noticeably.

Family members and caretakers should encourage their senior family members to take a daily walk if the weather is good. Walking with them will help boost their confidence and will give you daily exercise also. It's a good way to bond and keep everyone fit.

Dementia is something most of us fear and if walking can help prevent dementia, it's certainly worth doing.

Sources: WebMD.com, "Why Older People Are Forgetful"
AARP Bulletin, "Can You Walk Away From Dementia?"
WebMD.com, "Exercise May Cut Risk of Dementia"