A Growing Focus on Prevention
While Alzheimer’s disease continues to plague millions of people worldwide, experts are now focusing on prevention instead of treatment for this devastating and degenerative brain disorder. Although there is no cure for this disease, experts agree that one of the most effective tools for preventing and reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s is one of the simplest: physical exercise.
Indeed, according to the National Institutes of Health, physical exercise has “well-known protective effects” against Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, studies have shown that “more exercise is associated with lower risk of AD, better cognitive function, and less cognitive decline.”
Experts are now realizing that lifestyle is one of the major factors that can prevent this degenerative brain disorder.
What the Science Shows
Recent research has indicated that those who are more physically active are less likely to experience the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Research done by the NIH has indicated that exercise not only improves brain functions but can also help to slow the process of the disease.
In a recent study, scientists were able to show that exercise can actually help to restore the gene functions of brain cells that are associated with memory and learning functions. The results of the study were positive, as those who were more physically active were shown to have better brain functions than those who were less active.
The results of the study are interesting, as it seems to show that exercise can actually play a role in the way the brain ages and functions.
Even Small Amounts of Exercise Can Help
One of the best aspects of the latest studies done in this area is that it seems that one does not have to engage in a great deal of exercise in order to benefit from the rewards. In fact, a study that was done at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that even a slight increase in one’s exercise can have a great impact on one’s risk of dementia.
This is because the study found that even engaging in as little as five minutes of moderate exercise per day can make a great impact. This was according to the lead author of the study. She said that “increasing physical activity, even as little as five minutes per day, can reduce dementia risk in older adults.”
The study also found that those in the study who engaged in 35 minutes of physical activity per week had a 41 percent lower risk of getting dementia than those in the study who did not engage in physical activity.
How Exercise Protects the Brain
Scientists have also discovered different ways in which exercise can benefit the brain. The most important ways that exercise can benefit the brain include increasing blood flow. This will increase the amount of oxygen and nutrients delivered to the brain.
Another way in which exercise can benefit the brain is by increasing new cell growth in the part of the brain that controls memories. This part of the brain is referred to as the hippocampus. New cell growth in this part of the brain can be useful for learning.
Exercise can also benefit the brain by controlling inflammation. Research has shown that exercise can be useful in reducing the amount of two proteins that cause Alzheimer’s. These two proteins are referred to as amyloid-beta and tau.
Courtesy of ajeofj3 (Flickr CC0)A Strong Link to Overall Health
The connection between physical exercises and the risk of Alzheimer has also been associated with general health conditions. High blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity have been identified as risk factors for dementia. Physical exercises can control them.
Physical exercises can help in improving cardiovascular health. This will ensure that the brain receives adequate oxygen. This is important in the maintenance of cognitive functions and the prevention of neurological decline.
Researchers have emphasized that the benefits of physical exercises are cumulative. This means that the more physical exercises one does, the more the risk of Alzheimer will be reduced.
Exercise at Any Age Matters
Another important thing that we can learn from the present research is that it is never too late to start exercising. Although it is best to start engaging in physical activities all our lives to prevent the risks of having Alzheimer’s disease, research has shown that there is still a chance to prevent the risks of having this disease even if we start exercising later in life.
This is good news to people who are already old because this means that despite the fact that we start making healthy lifestyle choices later in life, there is still a chance to make an impact. Whether it is walking, swimming, or weightlifting, there is still a chance to start engaging in physical activities that can improve our health.
Experts say that we need to start slowly, especially if we don’t often engage in physical activities.
A Practical and Accessible Solution
One of the most impressive things about this research is how accessible exercise is as a preventative measure, as it does not require any special equipment or expense.
In other words, something as simple as walking, gardening, or dancing can all be very helpful. The goal, of course, is to think of ways to make it a part of your life in a way that you enjoy.
To those who might think it is overwhelming to think about exercise, there is some good news from this research.
Conclusion: A Simple Habit With Powerful Benefits
As can be clearly evidenced, physical exercises play a critical role in lowering the risks associated with Alzheimer’s disease. From improving blood flow to growing brain cells, physical exercises have a wide range of benefits to the health of the brain.
As emphasized by the National Institutes of Health, physical exercises have been associated with a “lower risk” for Alzheimer’s and improvements in the functions of the brain. In addition to that, according to studies conducted by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, even low levels of physical activities can greatly lower the risks associated with dementia.
In a world where Alzheimer’s disease is a big challenge, being able to lower one’s risks for Alzheimer’s using physical movements is empowering and inspiring. Even though there is no foolproof way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, physical exercises are one of the best ways to lower one’s risks for Alzheimer’s and improve the functions of the brain for the future.
By Luis Garcia Jr
A Successful Journalist, Editor, and Media professional for over 8 years, where my focus is to inform the community and the world on current events.
(NIH) National Institute of Health- How exercise can protect against Alzheimer’s
Johns Hopkins Public Health – Small Amounts of Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity Are Associated with Big Reductions in Dementia Risk
Featured Image Courtesy havens.michael34 Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy ajeofj3 of Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
