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Starting physical activity after dementia diagnosis may reduce death risk by 20% — Dementia Diagnosis in the Costa del Sol

15/03/2025

Studies increasingly show that physical activity brings a range of health benefits, from improved heart health to weight management. Research now shows that those with dementia may benefit especially from physical activity. One study specifically indicated that beginning or sustaining physical activity following a dementia diagnosis can dramatically reduce the death risk by about 20%. Here, we talk about this study and our Dementia Diagnosis in the Costa del Sol.

Exercise and Dementia: A Valuable Link

Researchers have focused on the correlation between inactivity, dementia, and death rates generally. An increasing number of people are succumbing to dementia, with Alzheimer's disease being a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Dementia management strategies can benefit from a greater understanding of the effects of physical activity on this population.

Key findings from the study include:

• Reduced Mortality for Active Individuals: Those who participated in physical activity both before and during their dementia diagnosis had the lowest mortality rates. Regular exercise linked to a 29% drop in mortality.
• Starting Physical Activity After Diagnosis: With a 20% decrease in mortality risk, even those who started physical activity just following their dementia diagnosis showed advantages.
• Intensity Levels Matter Less: Benefits were observed at all intensity levels—low, moderate, and vigorous—indicating that persons with dementia may benefit from even light activity.

How Physical Activity Supports Dementia Management

Using information from routine health visits both before and after their diagnosis, this study examined over 60,000 persons over the age of 40 who had been diagnosed with dementia. The individuals' degrees of physical activity were categorised by intensity; their workout schedules ranged from light to more intense exercises. Researchers discovered a definite link: people's risk of mortality decreases with increasing regularity of their activity.

 

Measuring in METs, or metabolic equivalent of tasks, this "dose-response" effect revealed that increasing physical activity levels correspondingly reduced mortality risk. Participants dropped 3% in mortality for every increment of 100 METs-minutes of weekly exercise.

 

Making Exercise Accessible for People with Dementia

While keeping a physical activity schedule can be difficult for persons with dementia, the advantages are obvious. These are some strategies to progressively incorporate physical exercise into their daily life and ensure it is a long-term habit.

• Simple and Safe Activities: Easy and safe activities to include into everyday routines are walking, stretching, or mild chair workouts.
• Consistent Routine: Regular activity at the same time every day can help create a habit that permeates the daily life of the individual.
• Caregiver Support: Encouragement and assistance with exercise can be greatly facilitated by family members and carers, therefore enabling the selection of a pace and intensity that is comfortable.

Study Limitations and Considerations

Although the study offers compelling data, significant limits exist. The findings could vary depending on the demographic since the study concentrated on a Korean population. Furthermore, as individuals' activity levels were self-reported, certain information might not fairly represent their activity. The emphasis of the study on early stages of dementia meant that more investigation is required to ascertain how exercise influences those with late dementia.

 

Dementia Diagnosis in the Costa del Sol

For persons diagnosed with dementia, we at Helicopteros Sanitarios understand the need of comprehensive, individualised treatment. This study provides a non-pharmacologic approach to enhance health by underlining the possibilities of physical activity to increase life quality and lifespan in dementia patients. Contact Helicopteros Sanitarios right now if you or a loved one would want to investigate tailored dementia diagnosis and treatment options in Costa del Sol.