While exercise throughout our life is important and predictive, a 5 year Canadian study involving 4615 elderly men and women over the age of 65 again discovered that people who did more exercise were less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. “Those with the highest level or regular physical activity had cut their likelihood of having cognitive impairment or dementia in half.” (7)
Another study at Oregon Health and Science University found that even those in their 70’s and 80’s, “who exercised vigorously,” over a period of several years were able to lower their risk of developing dementia. (8)
However, it’s important not to delay this important activity. In a more sobering note Neuropsychiatrist Yonas Geda of the Mayo Clinic in a large survey of 900 people (ages 70-89), found that although exercise habits at ages 50-60 were correlated with the development of dementia – the more often they exercised, the less likely they were to develop the disease, “the exercise habit a year prior to the interview was NOT protective against MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment).” A lifelong commitment to regular exercise is most likely to protect the brain.
But even those with dementia appear to benefit from exercise. In one study funded in part by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) involving “older adults with dementia or cognitive impairment,” those who were engaged in programs involving such physical activities as walking, strength and flexibility training, or mild aerobic exercise were found to benefit not only in terms of physical fitness, but cognitive function and behavior as well.(9)
Warning:
Before you set out for some high intensity interval training, you need to be aware of two more thing regarding exercise. First, Prolonged vigorous physical activity can increase oxidation and inflammation in your body if you do not have enough antioxidants in your diet to keep those free radicals under control. Therefore, it’s always wise when initiating a more vigorous exercise program to boost your level of antioxidants. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and NAC are among our favorites. These increase glutathione, our bodies’ own antioxidant free radical scavenger, which is one thousand times more powerful than vitamin C or E alone. These can also help to protect the brain, as well as the cardiovascular system.
Second, some types of exercise may be contraindicated for some medical conditions. So it would be wise to check with your doctor before initiating a more vigorous exercise program.
Finally, a note from the now famous Kungsholmen study presented at the Alzheimer’s Association 9th International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders, in Philadelphia, in 2004. While physical exercise in and of itself can be very helpful. It’s of value to note that while activities involving physical, mental and social stimulation all seem to offer protection against developing dementia “activities that combine all three kinds of stimulation offer the greatest benefit.”
So if you want to maintain a healthy brain, find a friend and get some exercise while the sun shines! Other research shows those who exercise with a friend are much more likely to continue, and much less likely to develop dementia or depression.
