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The study found that the participants who did at least some exercise each week were 37-50% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. The study also went on to conclude that the people who did not exercise but most closely adhered to the Mediterranean diet had a 32-40% reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. And finally the study found that the risk of Alzheimer’s disease decreased with more exercise and higher diet adherence. Individuals with the highest score for physical exercise and diet adherence were 67% less likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease during the study.

It is thought that aerobic exercise slow age-related brain deterioration by increasing blood flow in the brain, reducing inflammation and increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals.

The Mediterranean diet helps the brain by combining several foods and nutrients that may reduce free radical damage and inflammation, which are two factors that contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The diet may also help through its protective effect on the blood vessels. The Mediterranean diet helps protect against obesity, type 2 diabetes and hypertension, which are risk factors for the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

It may be premature to recommend that all of us adopt the Mediterranean diet and thorough exercise programs. However, there is ample evidence that maintaining a health lifestyle with good eating habit and some level of exercise is extremely beneficial in lead a long, health and active life.