Health

Study: Sticking with exercise routine lessens risk for dementia

By WEEK Producer
By NBC News

Study: Sticking with exercise routine lessens risk for dementia

February 4, 2013 Updated Feb 4, 2013 at 5:05 PM CDT

DALLAS, Tx. -- Starting an exercise routine and sticking with it could lower your risk for dementia.

Researchers at the Cooper Institute tested the fitness levels of over 19,000 adults who were in generally good health.

When the participants became eligible for medicare, they tracked reports of dementia or related memory problems.

They found those who were physically fit earlier in life were less likely to be diagnosed with dementia later on, when compared to those who were out of shape.

Experts say the fact that exercise lowers the risk for memory problems is not new; the challenge is getting people to stick to an exercise routine.

This study was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

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