Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people all over the world. This disease can severely affect a person’s ability to remember, think, and eventually, carry out basic daily activities.

However, experts suggest that regular exercise can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some of the ways exercise can help prevent Alzheimer’s:.

Increases Blood Flow to the Brain

Regular exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which helps improve cognitive function. Research shows that exercise can lead to the formation of new brain cells which can greatly benefit the brain’s overall health.

Exercise also promotes the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein responsible for the growth and development of new nerve cells in the brain. This production can help ward off Alzheimer’s and other age-related cognitive diseases.

Reduces Inflammation

Studies have shown that inflammation in the brain can contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Exercise decreases inflammation in the brain which, in turn, can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Exercise also helps reduce the production of harmful proteins called beta-amyloid plaques which can accumulate in the brain and lead to Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Improves Brain Structure and Function

Regular exercise can increase the size of the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning. A larger hippocampus helps to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders.

Exercise also helps to improve executive functions, which help with planning, decision making, and problem-solving. Increased executive function can help people maintain independence for longer and reduce the risk of developing cognitive impairments.

Reduces Stress

Stress can negatively impact brain function and increase inflammation, so reducing stress can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Exercise is an effective way to reduce stress levels and improve overall mental health.

Regular exercise releases endorphins, a type of neurotransmitter that induces feelings of happiness and reduces anxiety, depression, and stress. A study conducted at the University of California found that regular aerobic exercise can lead to an increase in the size of the prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain that is associated with reducing stress and regulating emotions.

Improves Sleep Quality

Sleep is crucial for our brain’s health and function, and inadequate sleep can prove to be detrimental to brain health. Exercise is known to help improve sleep quality.

Poor sleep is known to increase the risk of cognitive impairment, and various studies have established that exercising regularly can help improve sleep quality. This improved sleep quality can help reduce the risk of cognitive impairment.

Enhances Mood and Motivation

Being in a positive mood and motivated is important for maintaining an active lifestyle, and regular exercise is known to be effective in increasing positive mood and motivation.

A study from Harvard Medical School showed that people who exercised for 30 minutes every day experienced a decrease in depression and a boost in their overall mood. Another study showed that habitual exercise was associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline in older adults.

Decreases Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease

Regular exercise is known to decrease risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity.

These factors increase the risk of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease, so exercising regularly can help reduce these risks and prevent cognitive decline.

Exercising for Alzheimer’s Prevention

To prevent Alzheimer’s disease, it is recommended that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every week.

Aerobic exercises such as brisk walking, running, cycling, and swimming are the most effective in increasing brain health, but any form of exercise is better than none. Exercise should be combined with a healthy diet, good sleep hygiene and stress management for the best results.

Moreover, it is suggested to start exercising early in life and maintain this habit throughout life to provide better prevention against Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline.

The Bottom Line

The evidence is clear that exercise plays a crucial role in preventing Alzheimer’s disease.

Regular exercise can improve cognitive function, reduce inflammation in the brain, improve brain structure and function, reduce stress, enhance mood and motivation, decrease risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, and improve sleep quality. By making exercise a part of your everyday life, you are taking steps to improve your brain health and reduce your risk of developing cognitive impairments.