Walking and Dementia in Physically Capable Elderly Men

Abstract

Physical and environmental factors associated with the risk of dementia remain largely undefined. Although equivocal, evidence suggests that physical activity may have a relationship with the clinical expression of dementia.^1-7 Whether the association includes low-intensity activity such as regular walking is not known. One study showed that a composite measure of physical activity, partially based on walking histories, is associated with a reduced risk of dementia.¹ In a large cohort of women, those who walked more had significantly smaller declines in a modified Mini-Mental State Examination score over a 6- to 8-year period of follow-up.² Others describe relations that are weak while also providing contrasting evidence for an important and protective effect of cognitive activities on risk of dementia.^8-10 While cognitive activity appears to be a predictor of future dementia, overlap with physical activity may make it difficult to detect a relation between walking and dementia.