This Alzheimer’s exercise program could be a strong reason why you should hit the gym according to recent discoveries.
A new study of older adults who were at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease claims that moderate physical activity can prevent shrinkage of the hippocampus. This is the area of the brain responsible for memory and spatial orientation.
It is also the first part of the brain that comes under attack from the devastating disease.
Being physically active may offer protection from the neurodegeneration associated with genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. J. Carson Smith conducted the study in a statement asserted. Dr. J. Carson is a kinesiology researcher at the University of Maryland School of Public Health
Physical activity has the potential to preserve the volume of the hippocampus in those with an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
This justifies the need for selected Alzheimer’s exercise program for every older adult.
This revelation suggests that we can delay cognitive decline and the onset of dementia symptoms in these individuals.
Research That Advocates for Alzheimer’s Exercise Program
Dr Smith reasoned that a physical Alzheimer’s exercise program may be especially potent and important for older adults.
For the study, Smith and his colleagues monitored four groups of “healthy older adults ages 65-89.”
The subjects all displayed normal cognitive abilities over 18 months.
Researchers also measured the volume of their hippocampus with Resonance Imaging (MRI) at the start and end of the 18-months.
Researchers divided the subjects into four groups. Those with high or low Alzheimer’s risk and low or high levels of physical activity.
The presence or lack of presence of an apolipoprotein called E epsilon 4 allele is a determining factor for Alzheimer’s risk.
Only the group of high-risk and no exercise saw a decrease in hippocampal volume over the 18 months, researchers said. All the other groups maintained hippocampal volume.
Dr. Kirk Erickson reported that this is the first study to look at how physical activity may impact the loss of hippocampal volume in people at genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Kirk is an associate professor of psychology at the University of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Kirk added that there are no other treatments shown to preserve hippocampal volume in those who may develop Alzheimer’s disease.
This study has tremendous implications for how we may intervene, prior to the development of any dementia symptoms. This is very important in older adults who are at increased genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease,” Erickson said.
Smith said the study provides additional evidence that selective Alzheimer’s exercise program plays a protective role against cognitive decline.
How Alzheimer’s Exercises Should Be Performed
The Alzheimer’s Association, which seeks to promote Alzheimer’s care, support, and research, recommends physical exercise.
According to them, physical exercise maintains good blood flow to the brain and also nourishes new brain cells.
“Growing evidence shows that physical exercise does not have to be strenuous. It doesn’t necessarily require a major time commitment,” the association said.
“It is most effective when done regularly, and in combination with a brain-healthy diet, mental activity, and social interaction.”
Smith said the study suggests the need for more research on how physical activity “may interact with genetics and decrease Alzheimer’s risk.”
Smith had previously shown that walking improved cognitive function in patients already experiencing decline.
He plans to do further research on the effects of exercise intervention on healthy older adults with genetic and other risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s to see how exercise might impact hippocampal volume and subsequent brain function.
According to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, more than 5 million Americans suffer from the disease, a number they say will triple by 2050 as the population ages.
The findings are published in the open-access journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience.
