Exercising just two days a week may lower risk of mental decline - study

Mike Wills chats to sports scientist Dr Shaundre Jacobs about the benefits of running in particular.

Engaging in physical activity just once or twice a week could cut the risk of dementia, and mental decline in general, according to new research.

A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine examines 'weekend warrior' physical activity and its benefits.

It finds that exercising for instance only over weekends, may be just as beneficial for slowing mental decline as more frequent workouts.

The study says that the so-called 'weekend warriors' may have a 25% lower risk of cognitive decline compared to people who don't exercise.

"We found that around 10% of (mild dementia) cases would be eliminated if all middle-aged adults were to take part in sport or exercise once or twice per week or more often."

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The researchers say the study is important because it suggests that even busy people can gain cognitive health benefits from taking part in one or two sessions of sport and exercise per week.

Mike Wills favours running as an exercise form because it is available to anybody at no cost.

He chats to Dr Shaundre Jacobs, senior lecturer in Sports Science at Stellenbosch University, about the benefits of running and how to approach it.

"I use running myself for instance, as a coping mechanism... Especially if you have a very stressful job, there's a release of certain hormones like your endorphins when you run, which is why you have this 'runner's high' which is quite positive for your body."

Dr Shaundre Jacobs, Senior Lecturer: Sports Science - SU

Take a listen in the interview audio at the top of the article