Exercise and cognition: results from the National Long Term Care Survey

Abstract

Background: Age remains a robust risk factor for Alzheimer's disease as well as other dementias. Therefore, the aging of the population in the United States will result in dramatic increases in the prevalence of dementia if preventative interventions are not identified. The aim of this study was to examine potential associations between exercise and lowering the risk of cognitive impairment.

Methods: National Long Term Care Survey data were used. Level of exercise participation was measured at baseline (1994) and cognitive impairment status was measured at baseline and 5- and 10-year follow-up. Linear regression was performed, controlling for age, sex, education, baseline score on cognitive test, diabetes, and hypertension.

Results: At 10-year follow-up, the number of different types of exercises performed was inversely associated with the onset of cognitive impairment (P = .002) as was the number of exercise sessions lasting at least 20 minutes (P = .007).

Conclusion: Study results from National Long Term Care Survey data provide evidence supporting the potential for exercise to lower the risk of dementia.