As if you needed another reason to get up and move more, a new study found that having an active lifestyle can keep your brain healthy, slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease and genetically influenced dementia. In search only published in the newspaper Neurology, South Korean scientists tracked 173 elderly people with early signs of these disorders; 27% of them had a genetic variant that predisposes people to Alzheimer’s disease.
Using cognitive tests given at the beginning of the study, one and two years later, the researchers found that people who were more physically active experienced less cognitive decline related to the gene. “Problems with thinking and memory skills can have a negative impact on people’s quality of life and ability to function, so it’s exciting that increased physical activity can have the potential to delay or prevent cognitive decline,” said study author Jin-Sun Jun, MD, from Hallym University in Seoul, South Korea. Keep reading – and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss out on these Signs that your disease is actually a coronavirus in disguise.
What are Parkinson’s and dementia?
Parkinson’s disease is a disease caused by the death of dopamine-producing brain cells. The reason why these cells die is not fully understood; scientists think that a combination of genetic and environmental factors are responsible. Symptoms include impaired tremor, balance and coordination, limb stiffness and slow movement.
The genesis of dementia – a generic term for a decline in memory, judgment and communication skills – is also unclear in general. This study involved people with a variant of the APOE e4 gene, a predisposition for the development of dementia.
Previous studies have found that staying active can delay dementia. In 2012, research published in Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that in older adults, an active lifestyle – defined as participation in mental, physical or social activities – delayed the onset of dementia by an average of 17 months. The researchers found that people who did more of the three types of activity experienced a greater delay in the onset of dementia than those who participated in less.
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How to stay active
Although experts are not sure why the activity keeps your brain healthy, their message is clear: use your cognition or lose it. “Formal education at any stage of life will help to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia,” advises the Alzheimer’s Association. “For example, take a course at a local college, community center or online.” Even less formal ways of challenging your mind – like puzzles or games – protect your brain.
In addition, “staying socially engaged can support brain health,” says the Alzheimer’s Association. “Do social activities that are meaningful to you. Find ways to be part of your local community – if you love animals, consider volunteering at a local shelter. If you like to sing, join a local choir or help out in a program after school. Or just share activities with friends and family. “
It is also useful: maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure, sleeping with sufficient quality and practicing regular cardiovascular exercises. And to overcome this pandemic in the healthiest way, do not miss these 35 places you’re most likely to reach COVID.