- "Reading is to the mind what
exercise is to the body."
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- Sir
Richard Steele
Regular Exercise in Younger Years Reduces Alzheimers Risk by 60%
Middle-aged people can reduce their risk of
developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease later in life by remaining
physically active, according to a new study.
Researchers found people who exercised at
least twice a week in sessions lasting 20 minutes or more reduced their
risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by 60%, compared with
those who did a small amount of training.
The active group also lowered their odds of
having dementia by 50%, reported the journal Lancet Neurology.
Dr Miia Kivipelto, from the Ageing Research
Centre at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, who led the study, said:
"These findings may have wide implications for preventive healthcare."
"If an individual adopts an active lifestyle
in youth and at mid-life, this may increase their probability of
enjoying both physically and cognitively vital years later in life."
The researchers randomly selected 1,449 people
aged between 65 and 79 who had been surveyed about their leisure-time
physical activity in 1972, 1977, 1982 and 1987 to take part in the
study. The scientists also found that in individuals who were
genetically susceptible to Alzheimer's disease, physical activity had
more pronounced effects against developing the condition or dementia in
later life.
The report said there were a variety of
reasons why exercise might be good for the brain. Staying active could help to keep the brain's
blood vessels in good shape as well as safeguarding against other
illness such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which could make
dementia more likely. Exercising also affects elements in the brain
important for maintaining good cognition and memory.
A spokesperson for the Alzheimer's Society
said the research added to a growing body of evidence suggesting that a
healthy heart can foster a healthy brain.
She said: "The findings are consistent with
what the Alzheimer's Society has been saying for a while, which is that
physical exercise and social interaction can reduce the risk of
contracting the disease. We don't know what causes the onset of
Alzheimer's or dementia, but we would encourage people to take on board
this study."
"Rather than just looking at lifestyle trends
after death, this study has been going since the 1970s and is a
worthwhile addition to the body of evidence we have. What is good for
your heart would appear to be good for your mind."
Alzheimer's disease was first described by the German neurologist Alois
Alzheimer, and is a physical condition affecting the brain. During the
course of the disease "plaques" and "tangles" develop in the structure
of the brain, leading to the death of brain cells.
It is also known that people with Alzheimer's
have a shortage of some important chemicals in their brain. These
chemicals are involved with the transmission of messages within the
brain.
Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, which
means that, over time, more parts of the brain are damaged. As this
happens, the symptoms become more severe.
These include confusion, mood swings, and a loss of confidence during
the initial stages of the disease.
Source: worldhealth.net
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