Can Regular Exercise Prevent Alzheimer's?
The "use it or lose it" school of thought is once more supported as new evidence suggests that regular exercise of the body can protect against the development of Azheimer's. A study compairing sedentary elderly men walking less than a quarter of a mile and those walking more than two miles a day found that the less active group were twice as likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer's.
The study, reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association, was part of a Honolulu-Asia aging long term study of 2257 Japanese-American men between 71 and 93 years old. The researchers from a number of organisations, Universities of Virginia, Hawaii, the Department of Veteran Affairs and the Pacific Health Research Institute, believe that the findings support good health habits throughout life rather than suggesting you start pounding the streets each day in your later years.
Not that I want to put you off the idea. We know that sensible daily exercise, low alcohol intake, no smoking and a healthy diet can make big differences to quality of life and and lonjevity. A healthy lifestyle contributes to improved cognitive function later in life.
Why exercise?
When we exercise we want to feel better, physically and emotionally. We want to improve our self image, we want it to be fun even if we expect it to be
difficult at times. Exercise does improve strength and endurance, it should decrease body fat, improve movement to joints and muscles and increase oxygen
delivery throughout the body.
Simple Rules for exercise in later life
If you are thinking of increasing your levels of exercise do not rush into push ups, jogging or any forms of exercise without following some simple safety
rules:
Anyone over 45 years should consult their doctor to get his advice and get a check up. People with serious or chronic medical conditions, who are at risk for heart disease, anyone on medication should consult a doctor before starting a serious exercise program. You need to work up the levels of exercise gradually. A personal trainer can advise you on interesting exercise programmes. Joining a gym may be just what the doctor ordered! They are great for improving your social life. Certainly group exercise will decrease your isolation if you have Alzheimer's or if you are a caregiver to someone with the disease.
Rules for sucessful exercise plans
Video Link Staying Young: The Role of Physical Activity in Aging
