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People with good physical fitness are less likely to develop alzheimer's disease, new study finds

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People with good physical fitness are less likely to develop alzheimer's disease, new study finds

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Medically Reviewed By
Dr Divya Rohra

Written By Prekshi Garg
on Mar 31, 2022

Last Edit Made By Prekshi Garg
on Mar 13, 2024

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Alzheimer’s Disease is a well-known neurodegenerative disease that is afflicted by the elderly population. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly population. This disease is noticed when there are certain behavioral changes that denote loss of memory, difficulty in remembering addresses, inability to conduct daily tasks, etc. It is estimated that nearly  35 million people in the world have dementia. Numerous research groups in the world have predicted that the number of people to be diagnosed with  Alzheimer's will reach up to 66 million by 2030.

Alzheimer's disease not only affects the person but it degrades the quality of life. Also, the family of the patient suffers because of behavioral changes. It is difficult to have a normal life for the family and the patient when the disease progresses. As in most other physical diseases, even in this case early diagnosis and adherence to proper medical care/ treatment are key to delaying the progression of the disease. 

It is observed that the onset of Alzheimer's is characterized by a decrease in body movements and coordination. Also, the early signs include developing extreme tiredness, lack of body balance, weak muscles etc. 

Considering these early signs of the disease many researchers have postulated that although decreased muscle strength is and physical activity is an indication of the beginning of Alzheimer's but there can be a scenario that a decrease in physical activity can trigger the onset of Alzheimer's. Scientists have researched upon this hypothesis and have designed various experimental studies to generate scientific evidence. A correlation between obesity and Alzheimer's disease is observed. Dementia arising due to various factors is correlated with 

 Obesity and abdominal girth. These studies suggest that obesity is prevented by healthy interventions and adopting lifestyle choices that include exercise can prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

It is observed by the researchers that physical activity or exercise not only prevents Alzheimer's disease but it also helps delay the progression of neurodegeneration in the patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, physicians suggest exercise as an important regime in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.  It is recommended to routinely do cardiac-related exercises. Cardio exercises are known to increase respiratory fitness which helps to elevate memory and decrease hippocampal atrophy. This helps to improve and also maintain cognitive function. Depression which is observed in Alzheimer's patients is known to decrease after routine exercise. So, a single change in the lifestyle aids in combating the progression of a disease that has no definite cure using medicines. The pharmaceutical world is still striving to find the perfect medicine for this neurodegenerative disease but combined therapy of lifestyle intervention and medication is considered to be the best for Alzheimer's disease. 

Ways to delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease include,

  1. Introducing Physical activities such as exercise. 
  2. Awareness regarding the symptoms of progression.
  3. Adherence to medication.
  4. Regular check-up by a physician 
  5. Caregivers for mental  support
  6. Support system for the family by the society
  7. Healthy and on time diet
  8. Cultivating hobbies and music therapy

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