A study has found that walking for 2 and a half hours a week can significantly improve memory problems for those over the age of 50. Improvement in memory occurred both over the course of the six month trial, and 6 and 12 months after completion.
The trial placed 170 people who had reported memory problems into two groups. One group continued their usual activities, while the other took part in an 24-week home-based physical activity program.
Participants in the exercise group worked out an average of 20 minutes in a day more than those in the control group. By the end of the study, participants in the exercise group performed better on cognitive tests and had better delayed recall. They also had lower Clinical Dementia Rating Scores.