HHS HealthBeat (August 04, 2006)

Mental health and exercise

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I'm Ray Sass with HHS HealthBeat.

Everyone knows exercise is great for the body. But a report in Archives of Internal Medicine says physical activity could benefit the mind too—even delaying onset of dementia.

A study supported by the National Institutes of Health observed seniors over time. Many of them developed dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found problems with walking and balance before mental problems. And those scoring higher in physical performance were three times less likely to develop dementia.

Dr. Eric Larson of the Group Health Cooperative Center for Health Studies in Seattle says increasing physical activity and maintaining physical function could help avoid or slow down dementia's onset.

"'Use it or lose it,' while true, is not the whole story. The other part of that truism is, 'use it even after you start to lose it.'" (8 seconds)

Learn more at www.hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I'm Ray Sass.

Last revised: August, 15 2006