How Running Can Prevent the Development of Alzheimer's

An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but running could be the secret to preventing Alzheimer's. Why is this important? There is nothing quite so terrifying as experiencing memory loss. Unfortunately, millions of people around the world are currently living with dementia, Alzheimer's, and other degenerative brain diseases. Over time, Alzheimer's disease can affect everything from your personality to your ability to care for yourself. Thankfully, there is running. According to a new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, running fifteen miles a week has been found to lower your risk of developing the disease.
It sounds too good to be true... but there may be some truth to the claim. A number of things that have been found to prevent the development of the disease, from a Mediterranean diet to regular exercise. This study further backs up the claim that working up a sweat is good for your body and your mind. 153, 000 men and women participated in the National Runners' and Walkers' Health Studies. From those participants, it was found that those who ran 15 miles or more per week had 40% less likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease. On the other hand, participants who ran between 4 and 8 miles per week had 6% less of a chance of developing disease. Those results indicate that not only is physical exercise a key factor in preventing memory loss...but endurance plays a part as well.
For many years, exercise has been linked to the prevention of the disease. This is all due to changes in the brain. Once you get older, certain connective parts of the brain weaken or shrink. That leads to memory loss and can even trigger the onset of Alzheimer's. Exercise has been found to slow down or prevent this from happening. While there have long been signs that exercise can stave off the progression of the disease, this is the first time endurance has been introduced. That means it is essential to break a sweat and get your heart rate pumping...but it is equally important to run for long periods of time. Clocking 15 to 30 miles per week could dramatically lower your risk - and keep you healthy for longer.
The author of the study, Dr. Paul T. Williams (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) said that endurance based exercise could be the best way to prevent the disease. He went on to say, "I think this and other research suggests that there are lifestyle choices people can make that will significantly impact their risk for Alzheimer's disease." This gives hope to those with a genetic pre-disposition - and those already dealing with early symptoms. Rather than wait for a miracle cure or wait for the symptoms to worsen...men and women can take action. All you need is a good pair of sneakers! For best results, start small and add more miles as you build up your endurance. This will help runners of all ages gain strength, get active, and focus on mental and physical health.
The most effective way to prevent Alzheimer's disease? Run, walk, and stay active. The more you exercise, the better your mental and physical health will be now and in the long run. While there is still more research to be done, endurance running is one way to lower your risk now.
Dr. David Tal has more than twenty years of clinical experience. He manages Age Matters Clinic

New Pill Approved By The FDA for Alzheimer's Patients

Millions of men and women are living with Alzheimer's. This debilitating disease has serious repercussions, ranging from memory loss to mood swings, and a lack of independence. Since there is not yet a cure for the degenerative brain disease, research and treatment options have become especially important. On the treatment front, there may be some good news. The FDA (the Food and Drug Administration in the United States of America) has just approved a pill that is thought to treat the progression and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease better than other drug therapies.
So, what is this new pill? And how will it affect the lives of Alzheimer's patients? In the past, the drugs memantine hydrochloride and donepezil hydrochloride were used separately to help Alzheimer's patients live fuller lives. Each pill would be taken by the patient in separate doses. The newly approved FDA pill will literally combine memantine hydrochloride and donepezil hydrochloride into one. That doesn't just mean one less pill that patients will need to take. It may also improve their overall levels of cognitive function.
The companies responsible for this new pill, Actavis and Adamas, collected data that showed improvements in cognitive function when the drugs were taken together rather than separately. This could lead to a slower progression of Alzheimer's disease and even improved memory function for patients. That would dramatically affect the lives and well being of men and women all over the world. What is the name of this new combination drug? It will be called Namzaric. The drug companies plan to release the drug in two strengths, making it possible for those with moderate and severe symptoms to benefit from the drug therapy.
"Namzaric combines, in one capsule, two complementary therapeutic agents often co-prescribed," said David Nicholson of Actavis in a statement. He went on to say that both drugs have been proven to be safe and effective, and that "data has shown combination therapy demonstrated greater improvement in cognition and global function versus (taking the pills) alone." The combination pill will be available for patients sometime in 2015. It will come in a standard pill form as well as a powder form for those who have difficulty swallowing medication.
There is no doubt that the promise of this combination drug is exciting for Alzheimer's patients and those searching for a cure. By combining the two drugs, existing drug therapy treatments can be improved - and so can the quality of life for those currently living with the disease. If the data surrounding the combination pill is accurate, the drug could positively impact cognitive function, thereby adding additional months or even years of independent living to those with Alzheimer's. When combined with new advances in our understanding of the disease, it seems a breakthrough may finally be on the horizon.
Namzaric is not the be all end all of Alzheimer's treatment. However, it is certainly a step in the right direction. With the impending release of this combination drug therapy, more and more patients will be able to live fuller lives. The fight against Alzheimer's disease may not be over but between drug therapies and continued research, one thing is clear: no one is bowing out without a fight.
Are you looking for more information about aging and memory loss? Contact the Age Matters Clinic at: 647-268-0620. We understand how to improve the life of Alzheimer's and memory loss patients.