Exercise and Alzheimer’s: Can Staying Fit Protect Cognitive Health?

man walking with child

Exercise and Alzheimer’s: Can Staying Fit Protect Cognitive Health?

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Fitness and Alzheimer

You’ve probably been told that getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week is good for your health. It helps you stay fit, keeps certain chronic conditions at bay, and can increase your energy level. Did you know, though, that exercise may be good for your mental fitness as well? Recent research indicates that exercising to improve your body can also be beneficial for your brain.

There are a number of studies backing up this hypothesis. One recent study focused on 454 older adults who were given physical exams and cognitive tests annually for 20 years and then donated their brains for research when they died. Their movement was continually checked using accelerometers. The findings? The people who moved more had better scores on the memory and thinking tests, with each step up in physical activity lowering dementia risk by 31 percent. Even after accounting for the brain pathology of the participants and whether or not they had dementia, the association between physical activity and brain function was consistent.

Another study included 160 sedentary older people with mild cognitive impairment. Participants were asked to take part in various options: aerobic exercise for 45 minutes, three times a session, a heart-healthy diet, a combination of diet and exercise, or health education. The people who followed the diet did not improve on executive function assessments and the health education group’s function got worse. On the other hand, those who exercised improved their thinking and memory, and the improvement was even more significant for those who exercised and followed the diet.

Physical exercise, especially aerobic exercise, is good for maintaining brain health. This even holds true for people who have other risk factors for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Physical activity is, in fact, one of the few modifiable risk factors for dementia. Experts believe that exercise benefits your brain by promoting cardiovascular health, improving blood flow to the brain, lowering stress hormones, and reducing inflammation. Exercise promotes neuroplasticity, and may also increase the thickness of the cerebral cortex, physically improving the brain’s white matter, which connects the nerve cells in the gray matter.

It doesn’t have to be extreme physical exercise to be impactful. 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity is optimal, but any amount of exercise is beneficial. Along with exercise, here are some other steps to take to keep your brain in good shape and reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia:

  • Stay socially engaged. Regularly connect with other people. You can do this by volunteering, joining a club or social group, visiting the local senior center or community center, taking group classes, interacting with neighbors or friends, or even just going out to public places like museums and parks.
  • Eat a healthy diet. Reduce your intake of sugar and processed foods, instead loading up on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Eat fatty fish for the Omega-3 fatty acids and cook at home whenever you can. Drink only in moderation and don’t smoke.
  • Try new, mentally stimulating activities. Read books, learn a new hobby, play strategy games, or do puzzles. Challenge yourself to be better at activities you already do, and try taking an unfamiliar route from time to time, or using your non-dominant hand to do a task.
  • Get good, quality sleep. Establishing a regular sleep schedule is important for brain health.
  • Manage your stress. Practice deep breathing, learn relaxation techniques, prioritize leisure, and keep your sense of humor.
  • Take care of your heart. Keep an eye on your blood pressure and watch your cholesterol levels.

At Parkwood Heights, we prioritize the health and happiness of our residents. That’s one of the reasons this is a great place to live your best life. A lovely community in which to spend your retirement, Parkwood Heights is located just minutes from Victor, Fairport, Farmington, and Canandaigua. Our picturesque, 122-acre senior living campus affords many opportunities to enjoy your time with friends and family while enjoying our scenic setting. Call (315) 986-9100 to learn more about all that we have to offer, or check out our website and reach out if you have any questions.

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Rosa
Rosa / Family

Here it is just a little over two weeks since we moved Bruce into Parkwood. I just wanted to tell you how pleased we are with Bruce’s transition and acclimation to Parkwood Heights. The entire staff and residents have been so very welcoming, helpful, and supportive.I see a remarkable difference in Bruce’s energy, health, and his avenues of interest….. We owe this to the eager and affirmative attention everyone at Parkwood has given Bruce over these past two weeks…Oh my gosh, I can’t tell you how relieved, rested, and encouraged I feel since Bruce has joined the Parkwood community…

Ken and Bev Keyes
Ken and Bev Keyes / Family

Ken and I just want to let you know how much we appreciated having our Uncle in the Enriched Program at Parkwood Heights. His apartment was bright and inviting and the care he received by all the staff was wonderful. He could be independent, as well as cared for in relation to his needs. No matter what the day brought, the staff would tell us they loved their jobs and would always have a smile and a hug for everyone, helping to make each day a better day for those around them.

Dolores
Dolores / Resident

I moved to Parkwood Heights in 2005 because I wanted to live closer to my daughter. The activities department was the deciding factor. I enjoy having so many activities and events to choose from. Also, when calculating my expenses to live in my home or to live at Parkwood, the decision was made easier because the cost was about the same.

Tom & Donna
Tom & Donna / Family

On January 19th we moved mom from Florida to New York. We were pleased with Parkwood Heights, from staff to the lovely facility. It was a difficult move for mom at the age of 97 as well as us with the arrangements. From day one, all of our questions were answered and we were guided through the move as easily as possible.

Tom and Nancy
Tom and Nancy / Villa Residents

We had been looking around for about 2 years ... we knew that we wanted a spacious villa ... we came to Parkwood because we wanted to do things and they had just what we were looking for. There are so many activities to choose from, places to go and people to visit with. We love it here.

Norma
Norma / Resident

I've been living at Parkwood Heights since November of 2000. I am so happy here ~ the people are so nice and there is so much to do. If I didn't like it here I'd be a fool.

Elenore Bulau
Elenore Bulau / Resident

I have no qualms about saying the management staff is excellent – always friendly and will drop everything to listen to you.

Jeannette M.
Jeannette M. / Resident

There is a great variety of activities and the staff are willing to do anything!

Helen Lund
Helen Lund / Resident

The maintenance guys are so friendly and take care of our requests promptly

J. Bieler
J. Bieler / Resident

The drivers are super caring people who always do a good job

Bev Breen
Bev Breen / Resident

Our servers are wonderful!