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Geriatrician Dr. Ernestine Wright, Medical Director, Stella Maris

Mercy Geriatrician Dr. Ernestine Wright Discusses Study That Exercise Can Reduce Dementia Risk

A new study has found that people who exercise regularly have a significantly reduced chance of dementia.

According to Mercy Medical Center geriatrician Dr. Ernestine Wright, Medical Director of Stella Maris long-term care facility, long-time exercising habits are one of the reasons many older people are so capable and energetic.

"With exercise, you get a decreased risk of small vessel disease and areas of ischemia in the brain, and that translates to a decreased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia," Dr. Wright said. "By being active, I think it keeps your mind -- it makes it stronger. If you don't use it, you're going to lose it."

A recent study found that people who had moderate to intense exercise on a consistent basis had a 40 percent less chance of dementia.

Esther Colliflower, 95, said walking for exercise has made a big difference in her life.

"I started very young. I've always enjoyed walking," she said.

To view Dr. Wright’s interview with WBAL on this topic, click this link: http://www.wbaltv.com/health/28658201/detail.html.