Bengaluru based neurosurgeon Dr Arun L Naik dropped a video on his Instagram account @doclogues, which has shocked the world, because he says that 'Dementia Starts in Your Legs'. As of now, most of us knew that it is a general term for a loss of thinking, and is part of normal aging and related to brain diseases that damage the nerve cell. However, Dr Naik notes that as per a 2020 study, it was found that those who walk in a slow speed, especially older adults, were more likely to face the risk of cognitive decline. "Why?" To this, Dr Naik writes that walking is not just a physical task, "it is a full brain workout".Also Read: Can You Get Your Covid And Flu Shots At The Same Time? Experts Explain How Is Walking Related To Brain Health? Can Lack Of It Cause Dementia?Dr Naik writes that there exists a brain-leg connection. "Every step involves coordination between the frontal lobe, cerebellum, spinal cord, and proprioceptive feedback loops."The second point he notes is of the circulation boost. He writes that leg movement improves blood flow to the brain, and it delivers oxygen, glucose, and clears out toxins. Then comes gait changes, which the doctor says must be considered as brain warning. It is brain's way to tell that changes in walking style, balance, or pace could proceed to memory symptoms by years. Lastly, he notes is the neuroplasticity in motion. He says that walking stimulates the brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which strengthens neuron connections. This is why, "weak legs can speed up cognitive decline," he says in his video. What Study Is The Doctor Quoting When He Says That Dementia Starts From Leg?The study is a 2020 review, which was published in the Journal of Aging Research. This is where it was seen that older adults, who stay physically active are less likely to develop cognitive decline or dementia. The study analyzed over 1,60,000 people and found that regular exercise reduced the risk of dementia by 28 per cent and Alzheimer's disease by 45 per cent. With aging, especially from mid-50s, most adults begin to lose 1 to 2 per cent of muscle mass every year, this process is further accelerated by inactivity. This loss then not only affects mobility, but also metabolism and blood circulation, which results in less oxygen reaching to your brain, as the doctor also explained. This is why the doctor says, "if your legs slow down, your brain may follow".Can Something Be Done To Prevent Dementia? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dr Arun L Naik MCh (@doclogues)]]>The answer is yes. Dr Naik also says, "studies have shown that it is never too late to start. Starting even in your 60s can reduce dementia risk by a mile". So, what is he asking people to start? He is urging people to start some activity, to help their bodies move, and enable the brain to leg coordination. The doctor also notes some "strategies" to prevent dementia in the caption of his post through movements, which are as followed:Walk 30 minutes daily at a brisk pace.Add balance exercises like tandem walking and single-leg stands.Practice dual-task walking (e.g. walking while talking or solving a simple mental task).Include strength training for lower limbs—muscle is cognitive insurance.Avoid long periods of sitting—movement every hour keeps memory sharp.
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