Brisk walks ward off Alzheimer's

Just one hour of exercise a week can halve the chance of getting Alzheimer's disease, claims a study that ranks the seven lifestyle threats driving the rising levels of dementia.

The research by Cambridge University says one in three cases of the condition could be prevented by increased activity levels, a cut in smoking and tackling health problems such as obesity and diabetes.

The study, published in the Lancet Neurology journal yesterday, is the first to quantify the combined impact of lifestyle factors influencing dementia.

It identifies exercise as the most significant protection against the condition.

Those who failed to do three 20-minute bursts of vigorous exercise a week, or five 30-minute sessions of moderate activity, such as walking, were 82% more likely to go on to develop dementia.

Obesity in midlife increased the risks of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease by 60%, while high blood pressure raised the threat by 61% , the analysis found.

Smoking was found to increase dementia risks by 59%.

Professor Carol Brayne, the lead author, said: "Although there is no single way to prevent dementia, we may be able to reduce our risk of developing dementia at older ages."

EYE-OPENER

Eye tests could be used to identify Alzheimer's disease at a very early stage, research suggests, as a biomarker for the disease can be identified in the retina and lens of the eye.

Researchers said the findings could be a "game changer" in the diagnosis and treatment of the condition, adding the tests could be used as part of regular eye checks.