A new study finds lower levels of physical function may be directly related to dementia, making exercise an important tool to help maintain more than heart health.
Researchers at the University of Washington studied 2,300 men and women older age 65 who had no sign of dementia at the beginning of the study.
Those who had trouble walking, weak handgrip and poor balance were more likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
A doctor with the Eau Claire Family Medical Center says there is no magic pill for prevention.
"If you increase your exercise, you also decrease your risk in terms of balance," says Dr. Joan Hamblin. "There are many many benefits from exercise, I just don't think that one of them is to prevent Alzheimer's."
Researchers also concluded more studies should be conducted.