Regular exercise can improve brain function and may protect against dementia in middle-aged and older adults, with women benefitting almost twice as much as men, according to new research.

The study used longitudinal data to investigate the physical activity behavior and cognitive function of 16,700 Europeans aged between 54 and 75 over 13 years.

The researchers found regular exercise improves cognitive function for both men and women—but the impact was greater for women.

Sabrina Lenzen, a PhD candidate at the University of Queensland School of Economics and Centre for the Business and Economics of Health, says they hoped to encourage older people to be active and potentially prevent dementia at an early stage, rather than trying to manage the disease through the healthcare system when it’s “too late”.

Policymakers could assist by creating public health campaigns on the benefits of physical activity for brain health, and investing in more parks and recreational facilities.

Read the full article about exercise and dementia at Futurity.