A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that maintaining physical activity after a dementia diagnosis may significantly reduce mortality risk. The findings add to growing evidence that exercise offers benefits beyond general health, potentially extending the lifespan of people with dementia.

Physical Activity and Reduced Mortality

The study revealed that individuals with dementia who consistently engaged in physical activity before and after their diagnosis had a 29% lower mortality risk than those who remained inactive. Additionally, starting physical activity after diagnosis was associated with a 20% reduction in mortality risk. Even modest increases in activity, measured by metabolic equivalent tasks (METs), contributed to further lowering mortality risk.

In particular, sustained activity at any intensity—whether light, moderate, or vigorous—appeared beneficial, with similar reductions observed across different types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.

Nationwide Study of Over 60,000 Individuals

Researchers analyzed data from the Korean National Health Insurance System Database, examining health records of over 60,000 people aged 40 and older who received a dementia diagnosis between 2010 and 2016. Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, which categorized participants’ activity into vigorous, moderate, or light.

Eric D. Vidoni, PT, PhD, an associate professor of neurology at the KU Medical Center, commented on the significance of these findings, noting, “Capturing dementia diagnoses and physical activity on a national level adds compelling evidence to what we already know — that maintaining physical activity supports health, even after a dementia diagnosis.”

Study Limitations

The study had limitations. It focused exclusively on Korean individuals, raising concerns about generalizability to other populations. Additionally, the data on physical activity levels was self-reported, which may introduce errors. Researchers also lacked detailed information on the specific types of physical activities participants engaged in, which could affect the accuracy of activity assessments.

The study’s definition of regular physical activity excluded light activity, meaning some participants who engaged solely in low-intensity exercise were categorized as inactive. Future research may benefit from more diverse populations and additional tracking of activity levels as dementia progresses.

Implications for Dementia Care

Experts believe these findings could inform new care strategies for individuals with dementia. Ryan Glatt, MS, CPT, NBC-HWC, senior brain health coach at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, emphasized that exercise programs tailored to individual abilities could offer a meaningful, non-pharmacologic approach to dementia care. He suggested that group classes, online resources, and support from caregivers and healthcare professionals could help integrate safe and enjoyable physical activity into the daily lives of dementia patients.

"Supporting physical activity in individuals with dementia can be achieved through various options, such as group classes, online resources, or sessions with trained therapists," Glatt said. "These strategies make exercise safe, engaging, and accessible at any fitness level."

As dementia rates continue to rise globally, incorporating physical activity as a regular part of dementia care could offer valuable health benefits and improved quality of life.