ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the overall health benefits of physical exercise and then show how many of those benefits indirectly reduce the chance of developing dementia. It describes what types of exercise are most important and who benefits the most from a memory standpoint. Physical exercise is an important component of any holistic attempt to maintain one's cognitive abilities in older adulthood. Physical activity is indeed related to better cognitive performance among older adults. Older adults who begin exercise programs can also experience significant improvements related to their overall mobility, balance, and their likelihood of falling. Physical exercise helps people maintain their leg strength and balance ability, which are crucial in reducing the chance of failing. The chapter discusses the myriad health benefits associated with physical exercise and present some ideas as to why exercise is associated with the various health benefits.
