Exercise for Alzheimer’s Disease
Exercise for Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease where brain cells are
progressively destroyed over time. This results in a loss of cognitive, memory
and physical function as well as a decline in quality of life.
Evidence shows that the main reason for the increase in the disease’s
incidence is the ageing population and post-war increase in birth rates.
How does exercise benefit those with Alzheimer’s disease?
The main risk factor for the disease is heavily associated with a reduced
amount of physical activity giving the impression that exercise can help
prevent or delay Alzheimer’s. Other non-modifiable risk factors include:
Age
Gender - Evidence says that women are more likely to end up with the
disease
Family history
The main benefits of exercise for this condition include:
Slowing down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in those with mild
to moderate cognitive impairment
Improving both physical and mental function
Slowing or even reversing the effects of muscle wasting associated with
advanced Alzheimer’s
Improving depression in those with the disease
Reducing issues with behaviour in people with advanced Alzheimer’s
Evidence shows that starting and maintain an exercise program is correlated
with lessened levels of beta amyloid. This is a protein that establishes plaques
on the brain and is seemed to be the main cause of Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease where brain cells are
progressively destroyed over time. This results in a loss of cognitive, memory
and physical function as well as a decline in quality of life.
Evidence shows that the main reason for the increase in the disease’s
incidence is the ageing population and post-war increase in birth rates.
How does exercise benefit those with Alzheimer’s disease?
The main risk factor for the disease is heavily associated with a reduced
amount of physical activity giving the impression that exercise can help
prevent or delay Alzheimer’s. Other non-modifiable risk factors include:
Age
Gender - Evidence says that women are more likely to end up with the
disease
Family history
The main benefits of exercise for this condition include:
Slowing down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in those with mild
to moderate cognitive impairment
Improving both physical and mental function
Slowing or even reversing the effects of muscle wasting associated with
advanced Alzheimer’s
Improving depression in those with the disease
Reducing issues with behaviour in people with advanced Alzheimer’s
Evidence shows that starting and maintain an exercise program is correlated
with lessened levels of beta amyloid. This is a protein that establishes plaques
on the brain and is seemed to be the main cause of Alzheimer’s disease.