If you’ve read any of my blogs, you probably know I am getting close to “that age” – the one the most women dread. And, I know that brain fog is to be expected, but sometimes I worry that maybe it is worse than it should be. I think as Baby Boomers age, many are worried about dementia.
This week, I read about a study conducted by the Boston Medical Centre that shows a link between slow walking, a weak grip, and poor mental health in the future.
The study looked at 2,400 men and women around the age of 62 and followed them for 11 years. Over that period, they were tested on walking speed, hand grip strength, and their cognitive mental function. During the time of the testing, 34 people developed dementia and 70 suffered a stroke.
Of those that developed dementia, the researchers noticed that they walked slower. In fact, the study showed that those that walked slower were 1.5 times more likely to have dementia. Also discovered in the study was that those that have a strong grip had a 42% lower risk of having a stroke.
Another previous study which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed a link between fast walking and living a longer life.
Unlike many studies you hear about, this one has yet to be published in a peer-reviewed academic journal and the researchers admit that much more research is needed on this topic.
The good news is Dr. Erica Camargo said that these tests are easily performed in a doctor’s office, so there is a chance for prevention or at least to prepare for the illness. Dr. Anne Corbett of the Alzheimer’s Society noted that other things can be done to reduce the chances of dementia including not smoking, a healthier diet, and regular exercise.