Exercising Reduces the Risk of Dementia

1. ward off / wɔrd ɔf / (phrasal) – to prevent something

Example: Taking vitamin C every day can ward off colds.
2. umbrella term / ʌmˈbrɛl ə tɜrm / (n) – a general term that groups different
ideas into a single category
Example: Cardiovascular disease is the umbrella term for conditions that
affect the heart’s functions.
3. impairment / ɪmˈpɛər mənt / (n) – a state of physical or mental damage
Example: The doctor required the little boy to wear glasses to keep his
visual impairment from worsening.
4. cardiorespiratory / ˌkɑr di oʊˈrɛs pər əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i, -rɪˈspaɪər ə- /(adj) –
relating to the heart and lungs
Example: My doctor told me to do some cardiorespiratory exercises to
strengthen my heart and lungs.
5. brisk / brɪsk / (adj) – quick
Example: I did some brisk walking today for my morning exercise.

Article
Exercising can ward off dementia, according to research.

Results of a study conducted by the University of Texas Southwestern suggest a link between poor

fitness levels and deterioration of white matter, which is composed of nerve fibers that link

different parts of the brain together. A decline in white matter is an indication of dementia—

an umbrella term that refers to disorders related to weakened mental abilities.

The researchers gathered a group of older people displaying indications of memory problems, or

mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and another group of older people who did not demonstrate

MCI.

The participants’ cardiorespiratory fitness levels were determined by measuring their VO2 max,

or oxygen intake during intense exercises. Tests were also conducted to examine the participants’
executive function, which controls mental abilities like decision-making, critical thinking, and

planning.

Findings showed that participants with higher VO2 max scores, which translate to better

cardiorespiratory fitness, had lower white matter decline. This finding applied to both groups of

participants. In addition, those with healthier white matter fibers scored higher on tests for

executive function, particularly critical thinking and planning skills.

According to experts, doing aerobic exercises like brisk walking and resistance training like

weightlifting can boost brain performance. Aerobic exercise has been found to improve thinking

and reasoning, while strength training boosts memory and the brain’s planning and organizing

abilities.

Experts say that engaging in moderate exercise once or twice a week can already improve cognitive

performance. However, doing around 150 minutes of exercise a week is recommended to reduce

the risk of dementia.

Viewpoint Discussion

1. Aside from exercise, what other activities do you think can greatly benefit older people?
2. In your opinion, around what age should a person start working on his/her physical
fitness? Explain.
3. What do you do to keep your brain healthy? Discuss.
4. Which of your activities do you think are bad for your brain? Why do you say so?