Department of Kinesiology,
McMaster University –

Examining the dose-response relationship between physical exercise and cognitive function in older adults

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, causing severe cognitive impairment and interfering with daily life. As the population ages, the number of Canadians living with dementia is projected to double within a generation to affect 1.1 million people and cost Canada’s healthcare system in excess of $150 billion.

There is urgent need for intervention to reduce the burden of dementia on Canadian families and the economy. The proposed research will develop evidence-based economical and practical exercise interventions to improve brain function in seniors. Exercise programs engaged at critical stages will extend autonomy and improve quality of life, and ultimately keep more aging Canadians healthier for longer.

Update: See Dr Heisz speak on CTV’s Canada AM (Jan 21, 2015) about how exercise reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.