Dementia and Exercise: How Longevity Exercise Physiology Can Support Brain Health and Quality of Life
Worried about your memory or brain health? Caring for a loved one with dementia? Looking for ways to stay sharp and independent as you age?
Dementia is one of the most challenging health conditions facing Australians today, but emerging research offers real hope. We now know that lifestyle factors, particularly physical activity, can play a meaningful role in both reducing dementia risk and supporting people who are already living with the condition. The 2024 Lancet Commission on dementia found that nearly half of all dementia cases worldwide could potentially be prevented or delayed by addressing modifiable risk factors, with physical inactivity being one of the most important.
At Longevity Exercise Physiology, we believe it’s never too early or too late to invest in your brain health. Our Accredited Exercise Physiologists provide safe, compassionate, and individualised exercise programs to support cognitive function, physical capacity, and overall wellbeing through every stage of life.
Understanding Dementia
Dementia is not a single disease but a syndrome caused by various conditions that affect the brain. It involves a progressive decline in memory, thinking, language, judgement, and the ability to carry out everyday activities. While dementia is more common in older adults, it is not a normal part of aging, and it can also affect people under 65 (known as younger onset dementia).
Common Types of Dementia
- Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form
- Vascular dementia, often related to stroke or blood vessel damage
- Lewy body dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Mixed dementia (a combination of types)
- Younger onset dementia (diagnosed under 65)
Modifiable Risk Factors for Dementia
The 2024 Lancet Commission identified 14 modifiable risk factors that together account for around 45% of dementia cases. These include physical inactivity, hearing loss, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, depression, diabetes, social isolation, alcohol, traumatic brain injury, air pollution, low education, vision loss, and high LDL cholesterol. The encouraging news is that many of these are within your control.
Dementia in Australia: The Numbers
According to Dementia Australia and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), there are an estimated 433,300 Australians living with dementia in 2025, including around 25,000 people with younger onset dementia. Without significant intervention, this number is projected to nearly double by 2054. Dementia is now the second leading cause of death in Australia and the leading cause of death among Australian women. More than 1.6 million Australians are involved in caring for someone with dementia, making this a condition that touches countless families across the country.
Whether you’re looking to protect your brain health, support a loved one, or live well with a dementia diagnosis, please keep reading. We’d like to share how exercise can be one of the most meaningful tools available.
Benefits of Exercise for Brain Health and Dementia
Physical activity has emerged as one of the most powerful tools we have for protecting brain health. Research shows that regular exercise improves blood flow to the brain, reduces inflammation, and supports the growth of new brain cells. The benefits apply both to people looking to reduce their dementia risk and those already living with the condition.
Exercise can help by:
- Reducing the risk of developing dementia by addressing multiple modifiable risk factors at once
- Improving cognitive function, including memory, attention, and processing speed
- Supporting cardiovascular health and brain blood flow
- Maintaining muscle strength, balance, and mobility, helping reduce falls
- Easing symptoms of depression and anxiety, which often accompany dementia
- Improving sleep quality and reducing agitation in people with dementia
- Supporting independence and dignity in everyday activities
- Providing meaningful opportunities for social connection and routine
How Longevity Exercise Physiology Can Help
We understand that exercise can feel daunting, particularly for those experiencing memory changes or supporting a loved one through them. Our Accredited Exercise Physiologists take the time to listen, understand your story, and design a program that feels safe, manageable, and meaningful. Whether you’re focused on prevention, managing early cognitive changes, or supporting someone living with dementia, we’re here to walk alongside you.
Our brain health and dementia exercise programs may include:
- Aerobic exercise to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and brain blood flow
- Resistance training to maintain muscle mass, strength, and metabolic health
- Balance and coordination training to reduce fall risk
- Functional movement training for everyday activities and independence
- Multicomponent exercise that combines physical and cognitive challenges
- Gentle, supportive programming for those in later stages of dementia
Flexible session options:
- Gym based 1:1 supervised sessions
- Outdoor exercise sessions
- Home visits, which can be especially supportive for people with dementia
- Telehealth consultations
What sets Longevity apart is our individualised, 1:1 supervised approach. Our exercise physiologists work alongside your GP, geriatrician, neurologist, and broader care team to ensure your program complements the rest of your care. We adapt every session to how the person is feeling on the day, with patience, kindness, and no pressure to do more than feels comfortable.
Longevity Exercise Physiology has been privileged to support hundreds of clients and families across Australia, helping them maintain strength, confidence, and quality of life through some of life’s most challenging moments.
Additional Tips for Brain Health and Dementia Prevention
- Stay physically active throughout life, with at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week
- Eat a brain healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats (such as the Mediterranean diet)
- Stay socially connected with family, friends, and community
- Keep your brain engaged through reading, learning new skills, hobbies, or puzzles
- Manage cardiovascular risk factors including blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar
- Address hearing and vision loss with appropriate aids and check ups
- Prioritise quality sleep and manage stress
- If you have concerns about your memory or a loved one’s, please reach out to your GP or contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500
Getting Started with Longevity Exercise Physiology
Whether you’re thinking about your own brain health or supporting someone you love, you don’t have to do this on your own. With the right support, exercise can become a gentle but powerful part of caring for your mind and body.
If you’d like guidance that’s personalised, evidence based, and built around real life, we’d be honoured to help.
Claim your FREE 15 minute phone consultation.
Call us at Longevity Exercise Physiology Ascot Vale, Aspley, Broadbeach, Casey, Castle Hill, Coburg, Deagon, Drummoyne, Edgecliff, Five Dock, Gladesville, Gungahlin, Kingsgrove, Liverpool, Macarthur Campbelltown, Marrickville, Neutral Bay, Penrith, Pymble, Pyrmont, Randwick, Rhodes, Rosebery, Springfield, Yamanto today on 1300 964 002 to book your personalised session or a 15-minute free phone consultation.
Written by Aidan Frai (Intern)
References
- Dementia Australia (2025). Dementia Facts and Figures. https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia/dementia-facts-and-figures
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2025). Dementia in Australia. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dementia/dementia-in-aus/contents/summary
- Livingston G, Huntley J, Liu KY, et al. (2024). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing Commission. The Lancet, 404(10452), 572–628. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39096926/
- Tari AR, et al. (2025). Neuroprotective mechanisms of exercise and the importance of fitness for healthy brain ageing. The Lancet, S0140 6736(25)00184 9. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)00184-9/abstract
- Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (2025). About Dementia. https://www.health.gov.au/topics/dementia/about-dementia
- Reparaz Escudero I, Izquierdo M, Bischoff Ferrari HA, et al. (2024). Effect of long term physical exercise and multidomain interventions on cognitive function and the risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults: A systematic review with meta analysis. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12321620/