Walking and Dementia in Physically Capable Elderly Men

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Abstract
Physical and environmental factors associated with the risk of dementia remain largely undefined. Although equivocal, evidence suggests that physical activity may have a relationship with the clinical expression of dementia.1-7 Whether the association includes low-intensity activity such as regular walking is not known. One study showed that a composite measure of physical activity, partially based on walking histories, is associated with a reduced risk of dementia.1 In a large cohort of women, those who walked more had significantly smaller declines in a modified Mini-Mental State Examination score over a 6- to 8-year period of follow-up.2 Others describe relations that are weak while also providing contrasting evidence for an important and protective effect of cognitive activities on risk of dementia.8-10 While cognitive activity appears to be a predictor of future dementia, overlap with physical activity may make it difficult to detect a relation between walking and dementia.

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