The study, in the span of four years, tested 749 women and men over the age of 65 with no memory problems. The researchers then monitored the subjects' weekly physical activities, including doing household chores, gardening, and light carpentry.
Results of the study showed that of all the subjects tested, 54 developed Alzheimer's disease, and 27 developed vascular dementia.
As reported by the U.S. News & World Report, subjects who exerted the most effort in their physical exercises proved to be 27 percent less likely to develop dementia, compared to those least likely to engage in exercise. Those who were in the top one-third for total activity level showed a 24 percent reduction risk.
The results further showed that walking had a significant contribution to the mental health of the subjects, as those who walked the most were least likely to develop dementia compared to those who walked the least.
Dr. Giovanni Ravaglia of the University Hospital S. Orsola Malpighi in Bologna, said that according to their findings, "moderate physical activity...lowered the risk of vascular dementia in the elderly independent of several sociodemographic, genetic, and medical factors."
WebMD quoted him in saying that "it is important to note that, in terms of lowering vascular dementia risk, an easy-to-perform moderate activity like walking provided the same benefits of other, more demanding social activities."
Although the study did not produce any solutions for avoiding Alzheimer's disease, the researchers said that it does not necessarily mean that physical exercise does not reduce the risk of developing the mental condition.
