Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia among older people. Dementia is a brain disorder that seriously affects a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. It was predicted that there were 26.6 million sufferers worldwide in 2006. Alzheimer’s is predicted to affect 1 in 85 people globally by the year 2050.

Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease with Exercise – What Research Says

You can prevent Alzheimer’s disease with exercise. Several studies have confirmed that regular physical activity reduces the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in old age.

An interesting study was published in the The Journal of Gerontology. Researchers wanted to investigate the link between physical activity at midlife and the later risk of dementia among Swedish twins. The researchers found that those who worked out regularly were associated with reduced odds of dementia compared to those who hardly exercised. The researchers concluded that physical activity at midlife may reduce the odds of dementia in older adulthood. The study suggested that exercise interventions should be explored as a potential strategy for delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

Another interesting study was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Researchers wanted to determine if regular physical activity is associated with a reduced risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. 1740 persons older than age 65 years and without any cognitive impairment were followed biennially to find incidents of dementia.The authors of the study concluded that regular exercise is associated with a delay in onset of dementia and Alzheimer disease, further supporting its value for elderly persons.

In another study, researchers wanted to investigate the relationship between long-term regular physical activity such as walking to cognitive function.The findings of the study were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The investigation was based on the 18766 participants of the Nurses’ Health Study. The researchers found that higher levels of activity were associated with better cognitive performance.

Compared with women who did the lowest physical activity, the researchers found a 20% lower risk of cognitive impairment for women who did the highest amount of physical activity. Exercise consistency was important with women who walked more than 90 minutes per week getting better results than those walking only 40 minutes per week. The researchers also observed less cognitive decline among women who were more active. The researchers concluded that long-term regular physical activity such as walking, is associated with significantly better cognitive function and less cognitive decline in older women.

Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease with Exercise – Start Now

The research on preventing Alzheimer’s disease with exercise has been very encouraging thus far. There are tremendous benefits from exercising and this just adds to the list. Start an exercise program immediately if there is known history of Alzheimer’s in your family. Science is showing that you can prevent Alzheimer’s Disease with exercise. Even if there is known history, start an exercise program. Your health and wellbeing will benefit tremendously.