Exercising twice a week boosts memory

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. Ac- cording to the guideline, doctors should recommend that people with MCI 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.

More than 37 per cent of people aged 85 and older have it. “If you or others have noticed that you are forgetful and are having trouble with complex tasks, you should see your doctor to be evaluated and not assume that it is just part of normal ageing,” said Petersen.