Engaging in a specific type of exercise regularly could potentially lower our risk of a devastating condition later in life, according to a new study. Research has found a connection between aerobic exercise and a decreased likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease, the most prevalent form of dementia in the UK.
This progressive condition gradually affects multiple brain functions over many years, leading to memory loss and symptoms such as confusion and speech problems. While the exact cause of Alzheimer's remains unknown, it is believed to be associated with an abnormal accumulation of proteins known as amyloid and tau around brain cells.
The study revealed that individuals who participate in aerobic exercise have fewer of these proteins in their brains, along with reduced brain inflammation, thus lowering their risk for Alzheimer's. Published in the journal Brain Research, the findings emphasise how physical activity not only safeguards healthy brain cells but also restores balance in the ageing brain.
As reported by EurekAlert, the study discovered that rodents who underwent a structured aerobic exercise programme experienced:.
Significant reductions in tau tangles (around 63 percent with exercise), amyloid plaques (about 76 percent in the exercise group), and iron accumulation (reduced by about 58 percent in the brains of exercising rodents)
Enhanced brain cell health, including increased numbers of protective oligodendrocytes
Reduced brain inflammation in the exercise group (between 55 percent and 68 percent depending on the inflammatory biomarker considered), and cell death
Improved communication between brain cells, restoring critical balance in the brain’s function as it ages.
Dr Augusto Coppi, senior lecturer in veterinary anatomy at the University of Bristol and one of the study’s senior authors, remarked: "Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with no known cure, impacting millions worldwide. While physical exercise is known to reduce cognitive decline, the cellular mechanisms behind its neuroprotective effects have remained elusive—until now.
"This research highlights the potential for aerobic exercise to serve as a cornerstone in preventive strategies for Alzheimer’s."
Aerobic exercise, characterised by activities that use large muscle groups, intensifies your heart rate and boosts oxygen consumption in your body. It's well-known that aerobic exercise can help reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. The good news is, you don't need a pricey gym membership or fancy equipment to get started.
According to the Cleveland Clinic in the US, simple activities like walking or jogging are perfect examples of aerobic exercise that can be done all year round. Start with shorter distances and gradually increase as your fitness improves.
The clinic also recommends the following as aerobic exercises to try:
Swimming
Cycling
Using cardio equipment (treadmills, rowing machines, stair climbers).
In terms of exercise, the NHS recommends that adults should aim to:
Do strengthening activities that work all the major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms) on at least two days a week
Do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity a week
Spread exercise evenly over four to five days a week, or every day
Reduce time spent sitting or lying down and break up long periods of not moving with some activity.
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