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 : April 28, 2014 10:23 AM IST
Moderate physical activity may preserve the hippocampus - the brain region responsible for memory and spatial orientation that is attacked first in Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study. The study of older adults at increased risk for Alzheimer's disease shows that moderate physical activity may protect brain health and stave off shrinkage of the hippocampus. Dr J Carson Smith, a kinesiology researcher in the University of Maryland School of Public Health who conducted the study, said that while all of us will lose some brain volume as we age, those with an increased genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease typically show greater hippocampal atrophy over time. (Read: Now a new method to treat Alzheimer's)
'The good news is that being physically active may offer protection from the neurodegeneration associated with genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease,' Smith said. 'We found that physical activity has the potential to preserve the volume of the hippocampus in those with increased risk for Alzheimer's disease, which means we can possibly delay cognitive decline and the onset of dementia symptoms in these individuals. 'Physical activity interventions may be especially potent and important for this group,' Smith added. Smith and colleagues, including Dr Stephen Rao from the Cleveland Clinic, tracked four groups of healthy older adults ages 65-89, who had normal cognitive abilities, over an 18-month period and measured the volume of their hippocampus (using structural magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI) at the beginning and end of that time period. The groups were classified both for low or high Alzheimer's risk (based on the absence or presence of the apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 allele) and for low or high physical activity levels. (Read: Could you suffer from Alzheimer's in the future? Take this blood test to find out)
Of all four groups studied, only those at high genetic risk for Alzheimer's who did not exercise experienced a decrease in hippocampal volume (3 per cent) over the 18-month period. All other groups, including those at high risk for Alzheimer's but who were physically active, maintained the volume of their hippocampus. 'This is the first study to look at how physical activity may impact the loss of hippocampal volume in people at genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease,' said Dr Kirk Erickson, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Pittsburgh. 'There are no other treatments shown to preserve hippocampal volume in those that may develop Alzheimer's disease. 'This study has tremendous implications for how we may intervene, prior to the development of any dementia symptoms, in older adults who are at increased genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease,' Erickson said. The findings are published in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. (Read: Could a sleep disorder indicate Alzheimer's or Parkinson's?)
What is alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative mental disease that causes problems with memory, thinking and behaviour. It is the most common form of dementia and is commonly seen in the elderly. While the chances of developing the disease increase with age, it is now seen that younger people are also now being diagnosedwith the disease.
During the course of Alzheimer's disease, nerve cells in areas of the brain that control language, reasoning, sensory processing, and conscious thought die due to plaque deposition. Symptoms include confusion, mood swings, impaired reasoning or judgement, long-term memory loss and a gradual loss of bodily functions.Dementia is the most prominently visible symptom. People with Alzheimer's begin to have problems recognising family and friends. They also find it exceptionally difficult to learn new things, carry out tasks that involve multiple steps (like getting dressed) and cope with new situations. They might suffer from insomnia. In the more severe stages of Alzheimer's disease, the brain completely shrinks and they become increasinglydependent on others.
The diagnosis of Alzheimer's is usually based on collective symptoms and family history. Other tests that can be performed are mental status tests and radiological tests. A recent advancement in the diagnosis of the disease is the use of biomarkers. Current treatments for Alzheimer's are based on treating the symptoms but they do not eliminate the cause. The best way to slow the process and prevent it from progressing is early medical intervention. The earlier the condition is identified, the better the prognosis. Treatments include medications for memory loss and treatments for behavioural and sleep changes. Intervention therapies like reminiscence therapy, simulated presence therapy and validation theory may improve the quality of a patient's life. (Read: Alzeimer's disease it's more common than you think)
With inputs from PTI
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.
