Exercise, a healthy way to prevent Alzheimer's
A recent study developed in Spain links the usual practice of physical activity with a lower propensity to suffer from Alzheimer. To the numerous benefits that any physical activity brings, a new one is added: the prevention of Alzheimer's. This is demonstrated by a study of the European University published in Mayo Clinics Proceedings. According to this research, practicing sports has a long-term positive effect to prevent the development of this disease.
For this study, numerous investigations were reviewed carried out between 1990 and 2007 in which the focus was placed on the amount of exercise performed by the participants and the subsequent development of Alzheimer.
The data showed how physical activity helps to avoid this disease, a theory that, according to Helios Pareja-Galeano, one of the authors of this work, is a source of discussion among the scientific community.
Any activity counts to prevent Alzheimer's
According to Helios Pareja, the problem so far to demonstrate the benefits of physical activity in the prevention of Alzheimer's was due to an error in the questionnaires. The surveys did not specify this point correctly and many participants confused exercise with sports, so they answered negatively to the question: "Do you practice any daily physical activity?"
But acts like climbing stairs Instead of taking the elevator, walking a little every day or avoiding the car for short distances count as physical activity. Small activities that allow many people to improve their brain activity day by day without making an excessive effort.
Helios Pareja specifies what is from 60 years old the more you have to move since age is an aggravating factor to develop Alzheimer's. Especially in the five years prior to turning 70, is when you have to bet on a lifestyle with a lot of physical activity, clarifies the author.
Prevent neurodegeneration, the origin of dementias
The molecular pathways through which exercise impacts the brain are better known than those of other preventive factors such as social interactions. The author states that there are many studies that highlight the mechanisms through which exercise helps to avoid neurodegeneration cause of dementias.
At this point, the author states that while it is never too late to start this exercise to prevent Alzheimer's, it is always good to have "a greater journey". That is, the sooner you start practicing any physical activity, the better it will be to fight against the development of this type of degenerative diseases.
Exercise helps regenerate neurons in the hippocampus region, area of the brain where memory resides. In addition, muscle contractions also cause the nervous network to stay in shape by sending constant signals to the brain, increased neurotransmission of the nerve cells supposes that they end up working better.
Damián Montero
