Alzheimers Disease prevention and exercise
The role of exercise and the prevention of alzheimer’s disease in older adults
Alzheimers disease is a chronic condition that leads to a decline in cognitive function, resulting in a loss of personal identity and changes in behaviours, mood and the ability to perform basic daily living activities The risk of being affected by Alzheimer’s disease increases with age, with the likelihood of getting this disease doubling every 5 years over the age of 65.
Worldwide it is estimated that 35.6 million have Alzheimer’s disease, with a trend for adults to now live longer, this is expected to affect around 115.4 million by 2050. The causes of Alzheimer’s disease are complex, with the latest evidence suggesting that as we age, the cells of the brain lose their ability to repair and regenerate as a part of normal biological process.
It has been suggested that the reason why Alzheimer’s disease has only become a recent public health issue is that previous human populations simply did not live long enough to be affected by it!
Evidence from controlled laboratory experiences has shown that physical activity and exercise increases oxygen delivery to brain, which improves our brain tissues ability to repair and regenerate. In this study, the protective effects of exercise on Alzheimer’s disease were examined among adults who were 65 years and over.
A total of 1,358 participants out of 20,326 in all studies were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Overall, when compared to physically active adults aged 65 years and over, those that remained inactive were at a 49% higher risk of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Summary
This study supports the evidence that regular physical activity is protective for offsetting Alzheimer’s disease. Older adults should be encouraged to maintain regular physical activity to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s.
Acknowledgement:
Title: A meta-analysis of prospectie studies on the role of physical activity and the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease in older adults
Authors: Beckett, M. Arden, C. Rotondi, M.
Journal: BMC Geriatrics
Date: 2015
Impact Factor: 2.3
Web-link: https://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2318/15/9