Kann Bewegung tatsächlich vor einer Demenz schützen?

Is it possible to counteract cognitive decline by way of physical activity? Retrospective studies with healthy older people show that long lasting physical activity may reduce the risk for cognitive decline. Prospective studies supply, in part, results arguing in favor of an efficacy of physical activity regarding cognition. Moreover, neuronal changes have been found related to physical activity. With this respect, an increase in the BDNF-factor and the insuline-growths-factor IGF-1 as well as neurogenesis may play a role. In sum, data are equivocal due to different methodological approaches in the different studies. In patients with dementia, more studies would be desirable. Thus, movement seems not disadvantageous, however, it is not a universal remedy, either.