Exercise Diet and Dementia

A presentation at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference at Honolulu, suggest that physical activity, tea, Vitamin D and Walnuts may reduce dementia risk in older adults.

Long term studies, according to the presentation, have shown that people who routinely perform moderate to heavy levels of physical activity had about a 40% lower risk of developing any type of dementia. Those reporting the lowest levels of physical activity were 45% more likely to develop any type of dementia.

The presentation also reported that people who consume tea at a variety of levels had significantly less cognitive decline by 17 to 37%.

It was also reported that "the odds of cognitive impairment were about 42% higher in those who were deficient in vitamin D, and 394% higher in people who were severely deficient."

Studies with mice have shown that there may be a protective effect of walnuts on cognitive abilities. Alzheimer's mice on a 6 to 9% walnut diet showed significant improvement in learning, memory and motor coordination.

Exercise-To-A Healthier-Life.com

Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet from WebMD

" Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet " by Kathleen Zelman of WebMD is a good summary of the health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet combined with physical activity.

Recent studies have shown that the Mediterranean Diet provides thousands of micronutrients, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that help protect against cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's disease. The fiber in this diet also slows down digestion, which prevents wild swings in blood sugar, reduces insulin resistance and improves insulin sensitivity, according to the article.

You can increase life expectancy and your health that by not smoking, eating a Mediterranean type of diet, drinking alcohol in moderation and doing 30 minutes of daily, moderate exercise.

Exercise-To-A-Healthier-Life.com