Doctors Urge 150 Minutes of Weekly Cardio to Cut Dementia Risk
Updated
Updated · The Indian Express · Aug 9
Doctors Urge 150 Minutes of Weekly Cardio to Cut Dementia Risk
2 articles · Updated · The Indian Express · Aug 9
Summary
Dr. M. Narayana Swamy said regular cardiovascular exercise can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia, with benefits still possible even when people start in midlife or later.
Cardio appears to help by increasing brain blood flow and boosting BDNF—a protein tied to neuron growth, repair and survival—while also improving memory, attention and overall cognitive function.
The exercise also reduces inflammation, blood pressure, insulin resistance, obesity and diabetes, all factors linked to cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
Swamy said cardio has stronger evidence than weight training for dementia prevention, but recommended combining both—at least 150 minutes of moderate cardio a week plus strength training twice weekly—for the best brain and overall health outcomes.