Only in our country, close to 800,000 people suffer from the disease of Alzheimer’s, according to data provided by the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN). However, despite this figure, it is estimated that 30% of cases are not diagnosed.
These data show that it is a disease increasingly on the rise, but despite this, there are hopeful news. Next we are going to see the findings that have been found through a recent study, and that seem to be very promising.
Preventing and delaying Alzheimer’s is possible, according to science
Alzheimer’s is one of the most common types of dementia out there. Although its name is used as a general term to refer to memory loss, the truth is that it has been shown to affect other cognitive abilities as well.
Among the most common, in addition to memory, thinking and behavior stand out. In general, the interference of the disease in all of them it makes the person unable to develop their daily life normally.
Now, even though it is a disease which usually appears in people over 65, this trend has changed. For some time now, cases have been reported in increasingly younger people.
The symptoms that accompany this disease they tend to develop slowly, and also tend to get worse over time. However, although we are talking about a progressive pathology, science does not stop fighting to find answers.
And speaking precisely of answers, a study carried out by researchers from the Federal University of Sao Paulo, in Brazil, has come up with new findings. Apparently, there is an exercise that could prevent and delay the onset of disease.
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The results of the experiment left the experts surprised
To reach these conclusions, the researchers themselves conducted experiments with transgenic mice. In addition, these animals carried beta-amyloid plaques in their brains, which are present in people with Alzheimer’s.
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Focusing a little more on this protein, it should be noted that its accumulation in the central nervous system impairs synaptic connections. In other words, what happens is that the neurons are damaged, and therefore the characteristic symptoms of the disease.
Well, once all the variables had been studied, the goal of the researchers was to analyze training in mice. Specifically, the experiment was based on making them climb a 110-centimeter ladder with an 80º inclination.
Likewise, what was intended was to imitate certain types of resistance training that humans would do, in most cases in gyms. After four weeks, a blood sample was taken from the mice, and the results were amazing.
The exercise that could be key
As we mentioned previously, the researchers found a very curious fact in the blood sample of the mice. It appears that after they underwent resistance exercise, the levels of beta-amyloid plaque formation decreased.
As can be deduced, everything points to the fact that practicing aerobic exercise in people could be the key to preventing disease. “This confirms that physical activity can reverse neuropathological changes,” says Henrique Correia Campos, author of the article.
Therefore, daily runs, walks or aerobics, in general, is the best preventative medicine for this. disease. In addition, it is also worth noting the large number of benefits it has for our health.
And it is that resistance exercise, in addition to having a very positive impact on cognitive function, also improves our cardiovascular health. Likewise, it also helps us control the weight, increases our strength and improves our mood. There are no more excuses to practice it!