Going to the gym in later life could lower dementia risk: study

As our population ages, the number of people with dementia will increase, but an active lifestyle offers real opportunities for reducing dementia risk. Early results from a new study led by ANU indicate that people aged in their 60s and early 70s could lower their risk of dementia if they maintained a healthy weight by going to the gym to retain muscle mass. Lead researcher Dr Marnie Shaw said about one in 10 Australians aged 65 years and older will get dementia. "As our population ages, the number of people with dementia will increase, but an active lifestyle offers real opportunities for reducing dementia risk," said Dr Shaw from the ANU Research School of Engineering. The researchers observed about 400 people aged in their 60s and early 70s from Canberra at several different stages over time. Dr Shaw said the study was the first to show that the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and brain shrinkage changed from midlife to older age. Research evidence has linked brain shrinkage to the onset of dementia.