Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease that affects memory, cognitive abilities, and behavior. It’s the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and there is currently no cure.

But, studies have shown that exercise can help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and slow its progression once it has begun.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease that slowly destroys memory and cognitive function, causing difficulty in daily functioning, and eventually leading to death.

It is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain. Although the exact cause is unknown, scientists believe that Alzheimer’s disease is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

How Can Exercise Help Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer’s?

Studies have shown that physical activity can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which can help stimulate the growth of new brain cells and increase cognitive function.

It also reduces the risk of developing conditions that can contribute to Alzheimer’s disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.

One study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that older adults who participated in regular physical activity had a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those who were sedentary.

The study also found that those who remained physically active throughout their lives had a lower risk of developing the disease compared to those who were inactive.

How Can Exercise Help Slow the Progression of Alzheimer’s?

Exercise has been shown to help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. It can help improve memory, cognitive function, and behavior in those who already have the condition.

Exercise can also help improve mood and reduce the risk of developing depression and anxiety, which are common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

One study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that a combination of aerobic and resistance training helped improve cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Another study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that exercise helped reduce the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in people who had already begun to experience cognitive decline.

What Types of Exercise are Best for Alzheimer’s?

Although any type of physical activity can be beneficial, certain types of exercise are better suited for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.

Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and cycling can be effective in improving cardiovascular health and cognitive function. Yoga and other forms of relaxation exercises can reduce stress levels and improve mood. Resistance training and balance exercises can also be beneficial in improving strength and preventing falls.

How Much Exercise is Needed to Benefit Alzheimer’s?

The amount of exercise needed to benefit Alzheimer’s disease varies depending on the individual’s age, health status, and fitness level.

The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week. Two or more days per week of muscle-strengthening activities such as resistance training and balance exercises are also recommended.

Conclusion

Overall, exercise can be an effective tool in reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and slowing its progression in those who already have the condition.

Any type of physical activity can be beneficial, but low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and cycling, as well as yoga and relaxation exercises, resistance training, and balance exercises can be particularly effective.

The amount of exercise needed to benefit Alzheimer’s disease varies depending on the individual, but the American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, as well as two or more days per week of muscle-strengthening activities such as resistance training and balance exercises.