We all know that exercise is good for our bodies. But did you know that it can also help our brain? Scientists in Brazil have found that a certain type of exercise can help stop Alzheimer's disease.
This disease makes people forget things and can change their behavior.
This new research comes from the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) and the University of São Paulo (USP). It was published in a scientific journal called Frontiers in Neuroscience.
The goodness of resistance training
Not all exercises are the same. When most scientists look at Alzheimer's and exercise, they look at things like running.
However, not all older people or people with dementia can walk for long periods. This is where strength training comes into play.
Resistance training is a type of exercise that involves using your muscles against a certain force. This can be lifting weights or doing push-ups.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says the best exercise to keep your balance is to stand up straight and not fall over.
It helps your muscles grow and get stronger. It makes your bones denser. It changes your body for the better. And it helps you complete everyday tasks more easily.
How they studied it
The researchers studied mice that had been engineered to build a type of protein in their brains. This protein is called beta-amyloid and can damage brain cells. This is a sign of Alzheimer's disease.
The scientists trained the mice to climb a very steep ladder. The mice had to carry loads as heavy as their own bodies. It was like the weight training people do at the gym.
After four weeks of training, the scientists examined the mice's blood and brains. They found that the mice had normal levels of a stress hormone. They also had fewer amyloid beta plaques in their brains.
The results of the study
The scientists said that physical activity can reverse some of the changes in the brain that cause Alzheimer's disease. They also said that strength training helped the mice behave less anxious and more normally.
“Resistance exercise is proving to be a good way to stop or delay Alzheimer's symptoms,” said Beatriz Monteiro Longo, one of the researchers.
She said this type of exercise can help because it fights inflammation, which is a type of swelling in the body.
What research means to us
The scientists also looked at other research on strength training and Alzheimer's.
They found that this type of exercise can help with memory and behavioral problems in people with Alzheimer's. It can be an inexpensive and helpful treatment.
Other researchers from Brazil also helped with the study. You said Alzheimer's doesn't just affect the patient, it affects the whole family. This is especially true for families without a lot of money.
“These findings can help shape new public policies,” said Caroline Vieira Azevedo, a PhD student who worked on the study.
“Imagine how much money we could save if we could delay Alzheimer's symptoms by 10 years.”
In summary, resistance training isn't just about flexing our muscles. It is also about unleashing the power of our brain. Through sport we can keep our body and mind healthy even in old age.
The study was published In frontiers of neuroscience follow us on Twitter for more articles on this topic.
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