The new report suggests that people who live a sedentary lifestyle are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The findings unveiled that sedentary seniors have a 50 percent higher risk of developing dementia, compared to those exercising regularly.
Examples of moderate physical activity include walking, cycling, ballroom dancing, or gardening, according to the CDC.
Advertisement
Senior researcher Dr. Zaldy Tan said, “It doesn’t require intensive physical activity to decrease risk of dementia. Even moderate amounts are fine.”
“The message here is that you’re never too old to exercise and gain benefit from it. These patients derive the most benefit from exercise because they are the ones who are at the age of greatest risk for dementia,” Dr. Tan continued.
Brain scans revealed that those who partake in physical activity regularly are better prepared to withstand the effects of aging. Furthermore, they tend to have larger brain volume – while, it is well known that the brain shrinks with age.
The researchers theorize that regular physical activity translates into increased blood flow, expanding the brain volume and promoting the growth of new neurons. Exercise also promotes secretion of important brain chemicals that support growth and maintenance of neurons.
The study reveals that seniors don’t need to necessarily join a gym, but rather partake in physical activities they enjoy, such as walking around the block are even attending to their garden as a means to ward off dementia.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
