Editorial Team
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Editorial Team | Published : July 15, 2014 12:16 PM IST
A British study has suggested that just 20 minuteS of exercising, thrice a week, could drastically reduce the risk of Alzheimer's. Even getting off the bus one stop early and walking the rest of the way could help in preventing the debilitating illness. A third of all cases are due to lifestyle reasons including inactivity, obesity, smoking, high blood pressure and having a poor education, according to Cambridge researchers. But of these, a lack of exercise was found to be the single most important cause, Daily Mail reported Monday. (Read: 10 conditions that ail the elderly)
Researchers believe regular physical activity ensures there is a steady flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain. This is thought to prevent the build-up of plaques 'deposits of protein in the brain' which cause Alzheimer's. Researchers say adults can drastically lower their risk even by just walking to work. Carol Brayne, from Cambridge University's Institute of Public Health, said: 'The important message is that there are aspects of healthy life which reduce risk. (Read: Could you suffer from Alzheimer's in the future? Take this blood test to find out)
'This doesn't say we can prevent dementia and Alzheimer's altogether. But there is a proportion which is preventable. Even just having a vigorous walk a few times a week, and ideally make it social event. 'It's really difficult for many people to take exercise. If nothing else is possible, even a walk will help. That's what evidence suggests. 'So 20 minutes to half an hour, three times a week. I would say to just fit something into life in the best possible way. This might be getting off the bus stop the next stop up, and walk the last bit.' A total of 850,000 Britons have been diagnosed with dementia 'including Alzheimer's' although this will more than double by 2050 as the population ages. The study was published in Lancet Neurology journal. (Read: Could a sleep disorder indicate Alzheimer's or Parkinson's?)
Here are some things you should know about this ailment:
Spot it early
There's evidence to suggest that diagnosing the illness early can help provide a better quality of life for patients and even slow down the progression of the illness. However, the problem with diagnosing Alzheimer's early is that the symptoms are often mistaken for forgetfulness or stress. The early signs of the disease that people need to watch out for are frequent memory loss that disrupts everyday life, challenges in solving everyday problems, difficulty with chores, confusion about time or place, trouble writing and sudden changes in mood and personality.
No known cause
Scientists still haven't figured exactly what causes the disease but plaques and tangles in the brain look different than regular individuals. As of now, there is no treatment to reverse or stop the disease and the current treatment methods simply focus on treating the symptoms. The first risk is of course age and the probably of getting the illness doubles every five years after 65. You're also likelier to suffer from the disease if it runs in your family.
More common than you think
It's a disease which is likelier to affect the elderly. While three out of a thousand people in the 65-69 age range are likely to get Alzheimer's, the prevalence doubles every five years. Over the age of 85 the prevalence is 40% and 69% over 90. There's also a correlation between cardiovascular illness and the illness. It's estimated that around 26.6 million people around the world are living with Alzheimer's; experts believe that the number could quadruple by 2050 as the average lifespan goes up.
Prevention might be possible
A lot of research has shown a correlation between the illness and lifestyle choices. People, who live a healthy lifestyle, exercise more, eat healthy, avoid smoking, are socially active and engage in stimulating mental activities like playing chess are less likely to get Alzheimer's. Read more about Alzeimer's disease it's more common than you think
You might also like to read:
With inputs from IANS
For more articles on alzheimer's, visit our alzheimer's section. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And to join discussions on health topics of your choice, visit our forum.
