What is Dementia?

Dementia is a general term for a group of brain diseases. Its symptoms lead to a decline in memory, cognitive abilities, and daily functioning.

How many people are affected?

• Over 57 million people have dementia.
• Alzheimer’s disease is the most common, contributing to 60%-70% of all cases.

Hand Strength

Fine motor movements activate brain paths that are in charge of memory, coordination, and neuroplasticity.

• According to numerous studies, finger exercises of various types significantly improved cognitive function.
• Some exercises include finger tapping, sewing, and knitting.
• Additionally, hand dexterity has strong relations to dementia.
• Deterioration of the hand motor function has been used as an early diagnosis to dementia.

Physical activity

Physical activity activates and increases blood flow, delivery of oxygen throughout the body, and neuron survival.

• Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is associated with a reduction of risk in all-cause dementia.
• Engaging in even 5 minutes of Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity a day can reduce almost 50% of all-cause dementia risk.

Early Intervention

• In general, these prevention methods are less effective after the dementia has advanced.
• Studies show that starting these prevention strategies early in life are most effective.

References:

Liu, J., & Shi, H. (2023, November 20). Finger exercise effects on cognitive functions in older adults with MCI/AD/dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Science Direct. Retrieved April 10, 2026, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949834123000338

Namkoong, S., & Roh, H. (2024, April 25). Function of the hand as a predictor of early diagnosis and progression of Alzheimer’s dementia: A systematic review. PMC. Retrieved April 10, 2026, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11191504/

Wanigatunga, A. A., et. al., (2025, January 15). Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity at any Dose Reduces All-Cause Dementia Risk Regardless of Frailty Status. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. Retrieved April 10, 2026, from https://www.jamda.com/article/S1525-8610(24)00879-X/abstract

WHO. (2025, March 31). Dementia. World Health Organization (WHO). Retrieved April 10, 2026, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia