According to recent research, running can significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

The study found that individuals who engage in regular running and other physical activities have a lower risk of dying from Alzheimer’s disease compared to those who don’t.

What is it?: Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and thinking skills and eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest task.

The disease mechanism is still not properly understood, but it is known that at the initial stage, the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein builds up on the brain, which disrupts the communication between brain cells, leading to the eventual loss of brain function and death.

Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, and treatment options are limited. Several studies have been carried out on possible factors that can reduce the risk of developing the disease, and running is one of them.

The Study

The study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Research found that individuals who are physically active, particularly those who engage in running, have a lower risk of death from Alzheimer’s disease.

The study which ran for a period of 21 years followed a group of 2,475 individuals aged 65 years and older who had no cognitive impairments at the beginning of the study.

Over the course of the study, the researchers recorded the amount of time spent engaging in physical activity such as running, and other factors such as smoking, alcohol intake, and body mass index. They also monitored the cause of death of the individuals involved in the study.

The results of the study showed that individuals who engaged in regular physical activity, including running, had a lower risk of death from Alzheimer’s disease compared to those who didn’t.

It was also found that the risk of death from Alzheimer’s disease decreased by an average of 40% for individuals who engaged in at least 15 minutes of physical activity per day.

How running plays a role in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Running is a physically demanding activity that requires the use of several body muscles. It requires strenuous energy expenditure, which leads to improved blood flow and oxygenation in the brain.

This improved blood flow to the brain enhances the delivery of nutrients, oxygen, and other essential chemicals for brain health. This enhanced brain health reduces the onset of age-related cognitive decline and reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Furthermore, running has been found to improve the mood, reduce stress, depression, and anxiety, all of which are risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease. Running also helps to reduce inflammation in the body, particularly in the brain.

Inflammation has been linked to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, and running helps to reduce this risk.

Conclusion

Running and other physical activities such as swimming, cycling, and aerobics have been found to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, according to recent research.

Engaging in at least 15 minutes of physical activity per day can significantly decrease the risk of dying from Alzheimer’s disease. Running plays a significant role by improving brain health through enhanced blood flow, reducing inflammation, and reducing stress, depression, and anxiety.