Physical Activity and Reducing the Risk Factors for Dementia among the Aging Female

Abstract

Dementia is a major threat for the aging. This cross-sectional study was to analyze physical ac­tivity and reducing the risk factors for dementia among aging female. Key informants included 192 aging women aged between 60-69 years divided into two groups: the first group - 144 persons, or the exer­cise group, was further divided into sub-groups of 8 persons who were assigned to practice 6 exercises, 3 sub-groups per one type, altogether 18 sub-groups for 6 types of exercise. The second group (48 persons) was the non-exercise group which was further divided into 6 sub-groups of 8 persons, and the members of each subgroup stayed in the vicinity of each type of the exercise groups. The study tools were interview form, record form and Thai Geriatric Depression Scale (TGDS) for the collection of relevant data. Frequency, percentage, chi-square and odds ratio were use in the data analysis. The results revealed that the group with physical inactivity had 4.75 times higher risk for dementia (95%CI=1.43-15.75), 2.18 times (95%CI=1.00-4.78) for hypertension, and 3.23 times (95%CI=1.64-6.35) for diabetes. Based on the specific types of exercise, the risk reduction for hypertension was higher among those with social dance [6.3 times (95% CI=1.33-30.10)], and long stick exercise [5.94 times (95% CI=1.24- 28.39)]. The risk reduction for depression was higher among those with traditional Thai dance (Ram Wong) [1.17 times (95%CI=1.04-1.32)]; and the risk reduction for diabetes was higher among those with Ram Wong [1.14 times (95%CI=1.03-1.27)]. Therefore, the aging people should be supported to have regular exercise with the intensity that is appropriate for each individual.