Good News for Alzheimer's and Dementia Sufferers

It isn't a true revelation that regular physical activity is good for us, but perhaps the more research that is done to confirm in just how many ways our health benefits from being active, there will be something we learn that will spur us to heed the advice.

Now, scientists have confirmed that the most fit people who develop Alzheimer's disease and dementia develop less brain atrophy in the early stages of the disease than those who are less fit.

Two studies which show that regular physical activity, a brain-healthy diet, mental activity, and social interaction in a person slows the progress of the disease are expected to be discussed in Chicago on Sunday, July 27, 2008 at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease.

The first study, conducted by the University of Kansas Medical Center, MRI brain-imaging of people undergoing a treadmill stress test showed a positive connection between cardio-respiratory fitness and stimulation of the hippocampus in the brain-that portion of the brain important for memory and one of the first portions of the brain changed by Alzheimer's disease.

The other study, conducted by Western Researchers in Nedland, Australia, was done as part of a 12 month program in which caregivers worked on balance issues with people in their homes. An exercise program was done with the care receivers to help reduce falls-with balance being one of the major issues in preventing falls. The caregivers also showed the subjects how to incorporate the exercises into their daily routines.

Statistics show that people with cognitive impairment have a fall risk three times greater than those who have no cognitive impairment. After six months of the program, the people involved in the exercise program showed fewer falls than a control group. At the end of the 12 month period, those in the exercise group showed an increase in balance while those in the control group showed an deterioration in balance.

Because falls pose such a risk of injury and decreased quality of life for older adults, the ability to improve and maintain balance is an important issue.

The importance of a balanced diet and regular physical activity cannot be emphasized enough, and yet as a nation, many of us are "slugs." I raise my hand-I'm guilty-but today has to be the day of change. The activity doesn't have to be rigorous or fancy. There's no need to buy expensive equipment or clothing. Take a walk. Ride a bike. Go swimming. Walk in place while watching T.V. Anything...just get moving before it's too late.