Dementia study calls on doctors to prescribe exercise for 'brain health'

Dementia study calls on doctors to prescribe exercise for 'brain health' Doctors say that "we should take its potential impact far more seriously" Most of us want to do whatever we can to lower our risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Keeping your mind active and eating well are all steps in the right direction - but there’s one major factor many people may be overlooking. According to Alzheimers Research UK, the UK’s leading dementia research charity, "we should take its potential impact far more seriously." The comments come after a new perspective which argues that exercise should be prescribed - not merely recommended - as a central part of protecting and improving brain health. The suggestion is presented in a new peer-reviewed Viewpoint in Brain Health in which researchers argue exercise should be treated as a medical intervention for “brain health”, with doctors actively prescribing it as part of care. “We still tend to treat exercise as general lifestyle advice,” said Dr Zhou, the corresponding author. “The evidence we reviewed supports something more deliberate: a prescription that names the type of activity, the frequency, the intensity, the duration, the safety considerations, and a plan for follow-up, just as we would for a medication.” In its introduction, the study explains that "brain health refers to the maintenance of cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and social functioning across the life course. Exercise can support several domains relevant to brain health, including cognition, mood, sleep, motivation, social functioning, and resilience. "Unfortunately, in clinical practice, exercise is too often treated as simply lifestyle advice rather than as a structured intervention that can contribute to prevention, treatment, and recovery in brain-related disorders. "Physical activity should therefore be considered as one component of brain-health care, alongside interventions such as pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, brain stimulation, sleep optimization, and social interventions." How much exercise should I be doing? In a release by Eureka Alert, published today (November 3, 2026), it states that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week for adults. It also suggests aiming for 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity, plus muscle strengthening on at least two days. This, however, is not achievable for everyone. Anxiety, depression, low energy after work, problems at home, or a general dip in motivation can all get in the way. For many, the first step might be small. People can aim to start with a five‑minute walk, chair‑based movements, a supervised group, or something already built into the day - like walking the dog - and gradually build up their exercise routine, where possible. Nicholas Fabiano, MD, of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Ottawa and one of the researchers behind the study stresses: "The starting point does not have to be impressive. It has to be possible. "Small, repeated successes build self-efficacy and habit. That is what creates the conditions for sustained activity." A reduction in symptoms Drawing on randomised trials, meta-analyses and cohort studies, the experts make a case for its positive effects on mental health, highlighting reductions in depressive symptoms. There was also a reduction in symptoms of anxiety, psychological distress and suicide-related outcomes. It further highlights links between physical activity and lower risks of cognitive impairment, all-cause dementia and Alzheimer's disease, in line with recommendations from the WHO. It is worth noting that the evidence linking physical activity to reduced dementia risk remains largely observational. This means exercise cannot confidently be 'prescribed' for dementia prevention in the same way researchers advocate for in the case of other brain health concerns. 'We should take its potential impact far more seriously' Dr Honorine Lebraud, Senior Partnerships Manager at Alzheimer's Research UK: "Exercise is an incredibly important tool for supporting brain health, and we should take its potential impact far more seriously. "When it comes to dementia, the evidence is encouraging. The World Health Organisation already recognises physical activity as an important way to reduce dementia risk. "However, while exercise should be part of everyone's routine, it cannot guarantee protection against dementia or be relied upon as the only way to reduce risk. There are other important steps we can take to support our brain health. "Beyond exercise, this includes eating a healthy diet, keeping blood pressure under control and regularly socialising. It's never too late to make positive changes." Ensure our latest DWP headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings 10-minute Brain Health Check-In Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Think Brain Health initiative includes a free Brain Health Check-In, which offers personalised advice and practical tips to help build brain-healthy habits. It takes around 10 minutes, and at the end, you’ll receive personalised recommendations. You can find out more here. The peer-reviewed Viewpoint in Brain Health titled “Exercise is critical for brain health,” is freely available via Open Access, starting on November 3 2026 in Brain Health here. The full reference, for citation purposes is, Zhou C, Wong S, Fabiano N. Exercise is critical for brain health. Brain Health 2026. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61373/bh026v.0027. Epub 2026 Nov 3.