Concerned about Dementia? Tai Chi Can Help!

Tai Chi and Qigong are gentle forms of Chinese martial arts that combine simple physical movements and meditation with the aim of improving balance and health. The movements concentrate on a series of integrated exercises believed to positively affect the mind, body and spirit. These forms of exercise focus on balance and stability which are important in staying agile and may reduce the risk of falls. But you don't have to take my word for it.  Read on, if you need scientific proof.

The practice of Tai Chi lowers the risk of developing dementia better than toning and stretching exercises in elderly adults at risk for developing dementia, according to a new study published in May 2012. Tai Chi is a mind-body practice that combines gently low-impact movement, meditation and rhythmic breathing.
The subjects included 389 older adults at risk for cognitive decline based on Clinical Dementia Rating score or mild cognitive impairment. The investigators trained the subjects in Tai Chi or stretching and toning exercises.

The researchers assessed cognitive and functional performance at the beginning of the study and again at five, nine and 12 months. The investigators also evaluated postural balance measured using the Berg Balance Scale, neuropsychiatric and mood symptoms measured by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory and depression using the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia.

Fifty-four percent of the Tai Chi group and 78 percent of the stretching and toning group completed the study. The researchers determined that the tai chi group had a lower risk of developing dementia at one year, showing a 79 percent decrease in the odds of developing dementia. The Tai Chi group demonstrated better preservation of Clinical Dementia Rating scores compared to the stretching and toning exercise group. Furthermore, the Tai Chi group showed greater improvement in delay recall and Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia scores.

Thus, the study authors concluded, “Regular exercise, especially mind-body exercise with integrated cognitive and motor coordination, may help with preservation of global ability in elders at risk of cognitive decline; however, logistics to promote long-term practice and optimize adherence needs to be revisited.”

So, if you've been concerned about the possibility of dementia, there's just one more reason to stop by the shop because we happen to have the very best Tai Chi and Qigong instructor in New England offering daily morning and evening classes.  So what are you waiting for?

Reference:

Lam LC, et al. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2012 May 11.