Alzheimer's disease risk could be slashed by these 4 exercises, new study says
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Regularly taking part in a particular type of exercise could help to lower our risk of a devastating condition later in life. A new study has linked aerobic exercise to a reduced likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia in the UK. It is a progressive condition, which means the symptoms develop gradually over many years.
It affects multiple brain functions, causing memory loss as well as symptoms such as confusion and problems with speech. While it is not known exactly what causes Alzheimer’s, it is thought to be linked to an abnormal build-up of proteins in and around brain cells called amyloid and tau.
Now a study has revealed that people who take part in aerobic exercise have fewer of these proteins in their brains, as well as reduced brain inflammation, meaning they are at lower risk for Alzheimer's. Published in the journal Brain Research, the findings highlight how physical activity not only protects healthy brain cells but also restores balance in the aging brain.
As reported by EurekAlert, the study found that rodents who completed a structured aerobic exercise programme experienced:. Dr Augusto Coppi, senior lecturer in veterinary anatomy at the University of Bristol and one of the study’s senior authors, commented: “Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with no known cure, impacting millions worldwide. While physical exercise is known to reduce cognitive decline, the cellular mechanisms behind its neuroprotective effects have remained elusive—until now.
