You probably understand the value of exercise in maintaining the fitness and health of your body, but you might be less aware of the possible impact of cardiovascular exercise on your brain. According to HelpGuide.org, exercise is useful in heightening brain activity and function, and might play a role in preventing memory loss, cognitive disorders and dementia. Although the role of cardio-respiratory fitness in Alzheimer's disease is not yet fully understood, some data suggest that exercise might reduce brain deterioration in the early stages of the disease. Talk to your doctor about the possible role of exercise in your treatment.
History
According to a study published in the journal "Neurology," cardio-respiratory exercise can delay the deterioration of the brain that occurs in normal aging. Moreover, some animal studies have indicated that exercise might alleviate brain atrophy in mouse models of Alzheimer's. However, according to the "Neurology" study, which was led by Jeffrey M. Burns of the University of Kansas School of Medicine, data on the effects of exercise on early Alzheimer's generally has been inconsistent.
Features
The researchers of the "Neurology" study evaluated 64 non-demented and 57 early Alzheimer's patients, performing magnetic resonance imaging and other standard tests. The study gauged cardio-respiratory fitness through peak oxygen volume, and estimated brain atrophy through whole brain volume. The relationship between the two was analyzed using linear regression and Pearson's correlation, the study noted.
Findings
The researchers in the "Neurology" study found that cardio-respiratory fitness as assessed by peak oxygen volume was associated with decreased brain atrophy in Alzheimer's disease patients. There was no reported link between brain atrophy and exercise in the non-dementia group. The researchers noted that peak oxygen volume appeared to be linked to total brain volume and white matter volume. Peak oxygen volume also appeared to be related to performance on specific brain function tests, but this effect was neutralized after correcting for age. The researchers note that further studies are needed to confirm these results.
Temporal Lobe Effects
Another study, published in the journal "Alzheimer's Disease and Associated Disorders," evaluated the relationship between cardiovascular exercise and changes to specific areas of the brain in early Alzheimer's. This study, which was led by Robyn Honea of the University of Kansas School of Medicine, specifically looked at medial temporal lobe deterioration in Alzheimer's patients. The researchers found that there was a "significant positive correlation" between cardio-respiratory exercise and the medial temporal lobe volume of Alzheimer's patients. Further research is needed to validate these findings.
Recommendations
HelpGuide.org recommends that all seniors continue to reap the physical and mental benefits of cardiovascular exercise. You should start slowly, particularly if there has been an extended lapse in your physical activity, and begin with moderate exercise in tolerable increments. Exercise such as walking, hiking, water aerobics or senior workout classes might be beneficial, HelpGuide.org reports. Talk to your doctor about your physical limitations before starting a cardiovascular workout.
