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
No comments:
Post a Comment