Weekend Sports May Help Slow Mental Decline, New Study Finds

netherlands - A new study suggests that exercising only on the weekends can be as effective, if not more, in slowing down mental decline compared to exercising more regularly.

Exercising one to two days a week may be more effective in reducing the risk of mild dementia than being active for three or more days. Individuals who are active for two days a week decrease their risk by 15 percent, compared to a 10 percent decrease for those who exercise more frequently.

Separate research on 'weekend warriors' also revealed a reduced risk of 200 diseases including high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney diseases. The study also linked physical activity to increased brain volume, better physical performance, and improved memory.

The study examined the lifestyles of 10,033 participants with an average age of 51, considering factors such as age, sleep duration, diet, and alcohol and tobacco use that could influence the results. The researchers concluded that even with these factors, individuals who exercised two days a week were just as effective as those who exercised at least three days.

A second study showed that any form of physical activity, regardless of intensity, is associated with a 30 percent lower risk of death from any cause. The overall conclusion is clear: it's not about when you exercise, but that you do exercise.