Research shows benefits in old age of computer use and exercise

A lifestyle involving combining moderate exercise and mentally stimulating activities like using a computer, could decrease the risk of mild cognitive impairment.

Research was published yesterday, (Monday) from a study involving 926 people in Olmsted County in Minnesota aged between 70 and 93. The participants completed questionnaires on their physical exercise and computer use within the last year.

From the participants who did not exercise or have computer use, 20.1 per cent were cognitively normal and 37.6 per cent showed signs of mild cognitive impairment, (MCI). However, out of those who both exercised and used a computer, 36 per cent were cognitively normal and 18.3 per cent showed signs of MCI.

Prof Clive Ballard, Alzheimer’s Society Director of Research commented on the research: "There is already considerable evidence to show that donning the walking shoes, or hitting the tennis courts can have real benefits for your head as well as your heart. Although we need to know more before we can say for sure whether using computers has real additional benefits and why this could be, we would encourage any older people who enjoy using them to keep it up.

"The best way to reduce your risk of dementia is to exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, don’t smoke and get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked by your GP."

For further information on the research, see: Computer activities, physical exercise, aging and mild cognitive impairment: A population-based study’ by Geda et al in Mayo Clinic Proceedings