Cause 11. Physical Inactivity – A Modifiable Risk Factor for Vascular Dementia
Physical inactivity has increasingly been recognized as a risk factor for various health conditions, including vascular dementia. A lack of regular physical activity can contribute to the development of other conditions known to increase the risk of VaD, such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
The intricate relationship between physical inactivity and vascular dementia lies in the fact that regular exercise promotes healthy blood flow, facilitating efficient delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen to the brain. Without adequate physical activity, this blood flow can be compromised, negatively impacting brain health over time. In addition, physical activity aids in maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, managing body weight, and controlling blood sugar – factors all crucial for brain health and preventing vascular dementia.
Beyond its physical benefits, regular exercise also contributes to better mental health, another key factor in preventing cognitive decline and dementia. It can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and promote better sleep, all of which can positively influence cognitive function and lower the risk of vascular dementia.
Given these factors, integrating regular physical activity into daily routines can be a powerful strategy for reducing the risk of vascular dementia. This doesn’t necessarily require rigorous workouts or gym memberships. Simple lifestyle changes, like choosing stairs over elevators, parking further away to walk more, or incorporating short breaks to move around during work, can all add up to create a significant impact. (11)
