Sedentary people are at as much risk of dementia as genetically predisposed people. In both cases, the risk is doubled.
Better to register for the Paris marathon than to treat yourself to a TV marathon. Indeed, physical activity has many benefits. And especially on the brain. Canadian study drives the point home Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. It shows that people who stay on their couch have the same risk of developing dementia as those with genetic risk factors.
Double the risk
1,600 Canadians were followed for 5 years for the goods in this study. All were in good health. Their physical activity was measured precisely as a function of intensity. The conclusion is clear: “inactivity completely cancels out the protective effect of healthy genes,” concludes Jennifer Heisz, who signs this work.
In the absence of a mutation that predisposes to dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, sedentary people are twice as likely to suffer from it than people who are more active. However, exercise has no protective effect in carriers of the APOE allele (apolipoprotein E). Sofa enthusiasts are therefore as exposed as genetically predisposed volunteers. “Physical exercise could be an effective prevention method,” says Jennifer Heisz.
No treatment
These results could also explain the worrying progression of dementia around the world. More than 47 million people are affected by these pathologies. By 2050, they should be 115 million. In the absence of effective treatment, finding means of prevention is essential. However, “an active lifestyle helps the brain to function more efficiently”, advises Barbara Fenesi.
The researchers are carrying out another study in parallel. It aims to compare three different intensities and their impact on the risk of dementia: high intensity training (HIIT), continuous moderate training, stretching, in seniors.
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