Slow Alzheimer s Progression with Exercise

December 10, 2008

Posted by Maggie Spilner

If you know someone who feels helpless about having early Alzheimer’s disease, here’s something they can do to ward off anxiety and slow the progress of their disease—exercise! New research shows the important relationship between exercise and Alzheimer’s.

A recent study found that people with early Alzheimer’s disease who were less physically fit had four times more brain shrinkage than those who were more physically fit. (Burns, J. Neurology, July 15, 2008; vol. 71: pp 210-216.) Researchers think that exercise has a direct effect on preserving brain volume, says lead author Jeffrey M. Burns, MD. Preserving brain volume also aids brain function.

“People with early Alzheimer’s disease may be able to preserve their brain function for a longer period of time by exercising regularly and potentially reducing the amount of brain volume lost,” Dr. Burns writes. “Evidence shows decreasing brain volume is tied to poorer cognitive performance, so preserving more brain volume may translate into better cognitive performance.”

The people were tested with treadmill walking, oxygen consumption (a measure of aerobic fitness), mental tests and brain imaging. The results strongly indicated a positive correlation between exercise and the slowing of Alzheimer’s progression.

Exercise isn’t the only thing that can help your brain resist the ravages of this disease. There are many proven natural ways to prevent Alzheimer’s. Research supports the use of fish oil, ginkgo, vitamin D, vitamin E, folic acid, green tea and curcumin as effective steps towards Alzheimer’s prevention.

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Exercise may be the single most effective way to improve both your cognitive health and overall wellbeing. Previous research has shown that exercise can help the brain ward off the effects of aging. This study is one of the first to extend that protection to people with Alzheimer’s.

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Written exclusively for Stop Aging Now, the authority on anti-aging research, anti-aging nutrition, and anti-aging supplements.