The physical health benefits of exercise have been well documented. However the positive effects of a healthy lifestyle appear to go beyond just the physical.
A systematic review of the literature published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine looked at the contribution of physical inactivity and decreasing cognitive function with age (including the development of dementia). The evidence shows us there are significant negative associations between sedentary behaviour and cognitive function (Falck et al., 2017).
Limiting physical inactivity, and engaging in regular exercise is not only beneficial in reducing the risk of things such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and arthritis – but it also decreases the risk of mental health problems and declining cognitive function.
Exercise can replace many drugs, but no drug can ever replace exercise.
Chris Bryceson
B. Health Sciences (Physio), APAM
CB Physiotherapy