Dear senior citizens, bi-weekly exercise can improve thinking ability, memory

Sometimes memory problems are a side effect of medications, sleep disturbances, depression, or other causes that can be treated. It is important to meet with your doctor to determine the root cause.

Exercising twice a week may improve thinking ability and memory in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), suggests a recent study. Researchers explained that people with MCI have milder symptoms like they struggle to complete complex tasks or have difficulty in understanding information they have read, whereas people with dementia have trouble with daily tasks, such as dressing, bathing and eating.

Short walks or jogs can benefit you in a number of ways. (Shutterstock)

Mild cognitive impairment is a medical condition that is common with ageing. While it is linked to problems with thinking ability and memory, it is not the same as dementia. However, there is strong evidence that MCI can lead to dementia. Lead author Ronald C. Petersen from Mayo Clinic in Rochester said that it is exciting that exercise may help in improving memory at this stage, as it’s something most people can do and of course it has overall health benefits.

According to the guidelines, the doctors should recommend that people with MCI should exercise regularly as part of an overall approach to managing their symptoms. Moreover, there are no high-quality, long-term studies that suggest drugs or dietary changes can improve thinking ability or delay memory problems in people with MCI. The American Academy of Neurology’s guideline authors developed the recommendations after reviewing all available studies on MCI.

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