Alzheimer’s Disease and the Benefits of Exercise

Alzheimer’s Disease and the Benefits of Exercise
By Jennifer Jacobsen

Alzheimer’s is a tragic disease. Alzheimer’s is caused by plaques and tangles. Whereas plaques are formed from deposits of amyloid beta protein between the nerve cells, tangles are caused by tau protein deposits within the nerves. These deposits slowly affect the nerve’s ability to communicate, and they eventually die. Consequently, the person with Alzheimer’s disease slowly progresses from forgetfulness to being unable to care for their daily needs.

Fortunately, exercise may be able to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. In a study of 1,880 septuagenarians by Columbia University, researchers monitored their diets and levels of physical activity for five years. Accordingly, researchers found those who followed the healthiest diets were 40% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s, and those who got the most exercise were 37% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, those who scored in the top third for both diet and exercise were 59% less likely to get Alzheimer’s than those in the bottom third of the group.

Two studies done on mice also showed the benefits of exercise in preventing Alzheimer’s. In one study done on mice, researchers found that physical activity inhibited Alzheimer’s-like brain changes. In another study with mice bred to develop Alzheimer’s-like plaque in the brain, researchers found that mice that exercised had 50% to 80% less plaque than the mice that didn’t exercise.

Some researchers believe that exercise stimulates the production of FGF-2. FGF-2, a growth hormone, helps the brain build new neurons. Furthermore, it also improves overall functioning of the brain.

In addition to preventing Alzheimer’s disease, exercise can also help those who already have Alzheimer’s. In an Alzheimer’s disease rehab by students, after a year of exercise, they found people with Alzheimer’s in the program showed a dramatic improvement in physical fitness, mood, language, and a slower decline in mental status. Another study by an Italian research group found significant improvement in four cognitive measures after only three months of exercise.

Whether you’re trying to prevent Alzheimer’s disease or slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s, the benefits of exercise are clear. Being physically active not only promotes physical fitness but mental fitness too.

To read a more informative article about preventing Alzheimer’s disease, click here
To find out more about the causes of Alzheimer’s disease, click here.

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