Twice- weekly exercise may improve memory

Washington: Exercising twice a week may improve thinking ability and memory in people with mild cognitive impairment ( MCI), according to a guideline by the American Academy of Neurology. 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, researchers said. “It is exciting that exercise may help improve memory at this stage, as it is something most people can do and of course it has overall health benefits,” said Ronald C. Petersen, from the Mayo Clinic in the US and a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. “Because MCI may progress to dementia, it is particularly important that MCI is diagnosed early,” said Petersen, lead author of the guideline published in the journal Neurology. According to the guideline, doctors should recommend that people with MCI exercise regularly as part of an overall approach to managing their symptoms. Although longterm studies have not been conducted, six- month studies suggest twice- weekly workouts may improve memory. The guideline states that there are no US Food and Drug Administration ( FDA)- approved medications for the treatment of MCI. There are no high- quality, long- term studies that suggest drugs or dietary changes can improve thinking.