A new study shows physical activity can help reduce the risk of developing dementia.

The JAMA Network study followed the habits of roughly 50,000 older adults for at least five years.

Those with more sedentary or stationary behaviors had a higher risk of developing dementia, compared to more active individuals.

Northwell Health Director of Geriatric Hospital Services Dr. Liron Sinvani says sitting is the new smoking, so being active daily is crucial - and the earlier you start, the better off you'll be in the long run.

"Prevention is key and so anything we can do lifestyle-related, like physical activity, like social stimulation, like cognitive stimulation....a healthy diet, not smoking, not drinking too much. All these things really help prevent dementia," she said.

Physical activity also benefits those already suffering from the disease.

"Even for people with dementia, physical activity has shown a lot of benefits like reducing behaviors that are associated with dementia, slowing down progression, and living longer at home," said Dr. Sinvani.

Dr. Sinvani says the right level of activity can be measured by not being able to talk without being out of breath.

Click here to read about the study.