Physical Activity and Dementia

Abstract

  Numerous epidemiological studies indicate that physical activity strongly influences cognitive function among older adults. This association is supported by several intervention studies. Worldwide, approximately 13% (nearly 4.3 million) of AD cases may be attributable to physical inactivity. A 10% reduction in the prevalence of physical inactivity could potentially prevent more than 380,000 AD cases globally. In comparison, a 25% reduction in physical inactivity prevalence could potentially prevent nearly 1 million AD cases globally, indicating the degree of impact of physical activity on dementia. The present article will review and discuss the association between physical activity, including physical functioning, and cognition to understand the effect of physical inactivity.