The role of exercise in preventing Alzheimer's

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Alzheimer’s is a complex neurodegenerative brain disease that is the most common cause of dementia symptoms. As more and more Americans reach their later years, researchers continue to search for more preventive interventions and treatments for Alzheimer’s.

Recent research efforts have focused on the role of exercise in preventing Alzheimer’s and results are promising.

How Alzheimer’s affects the hippocampus

The hippocampus is the part of the brain responsible for learning. With a healthy brain, a senior can learn new information and create new memories.

 

Alzheimer’s damages the hippocampus and the brain’s connections, making it harder for someone to recall recent events, affecting the short-term memory.  Someone suffering from Alzheimer’s may recall a friend from 30 years ago but can’t remember if they ate breakfast.

 

Research shows that improving blood flow to the brain helps decrease cell and tissue damage. Exercise, even moderate exercise, provides a real benefit by boosting the blood flow to the brain.

Alzheimer’s and study results

Early studies about Alzheimer’s and exercise have shown promising results, including:

 

  • Better memory scores after starting exercise programs
  • An increase in the size of the hippocampus
  • Slowing of disease progression
  • Less cognitive decline

 

Studies with conclusive results are still underway, with the most significant results released in 2022.

Alzheimer’s and the EXERT study

In 2022, the results of the EXERT Study were shared during the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC). These results were significant and groundbreaking for several reasons.

 

  1. The study was the longest involving older Alzheimer’s patients with mild cognitive impairment and the effects of exercise.
  2. Having been administered during the pandemic, the participation rate was still high with more than 80% of participants successfully following an exercise regime.
  3. Participants who did aerobic exercise and those who did stretching both had the same result. Neither experienced cognitive decline after 12 months.
  4. Participants who did not exercise over 12 months showed significant cognitive decline.

 

The study results are promising because they showed a positive connection between physical activity and brain health.

More reason to exercise

Those with Alzheimer’s benefit generally from exercise for several reasons.

 

  • Exercise lowers inflammation which contributes to overall health
  • Even moderate exercise like stretching can increase blood flow to the brain
  • Physical activity boosts a sense of well-being and confidence

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Content contained on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your health care provider before beginning any new fitness or dietary plan. References provided are for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement of any websites or other sources. Should you have any health-related questions, you should contact your health care provider.

 

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