A study published early this year shows that there is an association between the level of a person’s physical activity (even light activity) and the level of cognitive ability, even if the person displays behavioral signs of Alzheimer’s or other dementia. While the study does not demonstrate a causal link, the known links between exercise and heart health make adding or maintaining physical movement a good bet for reducing the risk of, or diminishing the effects of, Alzheimer’s.
Here are four media articles on the work:
Activity sharpens even dementia-affected brains, report suggests
Daily Movement — Even Household Chores — May Boost Brain Health In Elderly
Study Links Moving More in Older Age to Sharper Memory
Dementia care: The one activity you need to do in old age proven to protect the brain
Research article:
Physical activity, common brain pathologies, and cognition in community-dwelling older adults
A man epitomizing using physical activity to fight Alzheimer’s:
Meet the man living with Alzheimer’s who climbs the same mountain every day
All links have been added to Health > Physical Exercise and Alzheimers > Amelioration/Prevention. The last link above has also been added to Alzheimers > Coping & Caregivers Coping Stories.
