Protect your brain health by reducing dementia risk. Small amounts of physical activity can lead to big benefits for older adults.

Dementia benefits from physical exercise, and even brief periods of activity that people may dismiss as insufficient can help reduce the risk.

A poor response to insulin can lead to dementia, so the idea that exercise can help prevent this by possibly boosting insulin signaling is significant, Malin said. While more research is needed, these findings reinforce the idea that physical activity could be an accessible, low-cost way to support long-term brain health.