A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine has delivered promising news for individuals diagnosed with dementia and their families. This extensive research, which followed over 60,000 individuals in South Korea, discovered that maintaining or starting physical activity after a dementia diagnosis can significantly lower the risk of mortality. Although the study was conducted in South Korea, its implications are globally relevant.

Key research findings:

• Individuals who sustained regular physical activity both before and after their dementia diagnosis showed a 29% lower risk of death compared to those who remained inactive.
• Even for those who began exercising after their diagnosis, there was a notable 23% decrease in mortality risk.
• The advantages of physical activity were evident across all types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
• Light physical activity provided benefits comparable to those achieved through moderate or vigorous exercise.
• The study identified a dose-response relationship whereby for every 100 MET (Metabolic Equivalents) minutes increase in weekly physical activity – which is equivalent to adding five minutes of brisk walking five times a week – the risk of death decreased by 3%. This linear relationship emphasises that even modest increases in physical activity can yield significant health benefits.

This research stands as one of the largest studies to date examining how variations in physical activity influence survival rates among individuals with dementia. The cohort comprised 60,252 participants newly diagnosed with dementia between 2010 and 2016, who underwent health check-ups two years before and after their diagnosis. The participants were followed for an average of 3.7 years, during which over a quarter of them (27%) passed away.

The research highlights that the intensity of physical activity may be less critical than the act of remaining active. Even light activities such as walking or engaging in household chores can make a significant difference in reducing mortality risk. This revelation is particularly heartening for individuals who may struggle with more vigorous forms of exercise due to physical limitations or the progression of dementia.

The findings advocate for a flexible approach to exercise within dementia care plans. Rather than imposing stringent exercise routines, caregivers and healthcare providers can encourage patients to incorporate enjoyable and manageable physical activities into their daily lives. This strategy not only enhances physical health but also contributes to improved cognitive function and overall quality of life.

Recommendations arising from this research:

1. Stay active after diagnosis: Continuously engaging in physical activity can significantly impact survival rates. Even if activity levels were low prior to diagnosis, starting an exercise routine post-diagnosis is beneficial.
2. Choose comfortable activity levels: It is vital to select activities that are enjoyable and sustainable. Comfort in activity selection increases the likelihood of consistent participation.
3. Include everyday activities: Simple daily tasks such as walking, gardening, or light household chores can contribute substantially to overall physical activity levels.
4. Maintain consistent activity rather than focusing on intensity: Regular, consistent activity is more advantageous than sporadic, intense exercise sessions. Consistency ensures sustained health benefits and integrates seamlessly into daily routines.
   This study reinforces the vital message that it is never too late to derive benefits from exercise, even after a dementia diagnosis. As our understanding of dementia care continues to evolve, physical activity emerges as an increasingly important tool in improving both the quality of life and longevity of those affected by the condition.

Link:
Park, K.Y., Huh, Y., Nam, G.E., Han, K., Jung, J.H., Cho, Y.J., Kim, S.M., Hwang, H.S. and Park, Y.M.M. (2024) ‘Changes in physical activity and all-cause mortality among individuals with dementia: a cohort study using the National Health Insurance Service Database in Korea’, British Journal of Sports Medicine. https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2024/10/03/bjsports-2024-108264