Exercise Can Show Real Results

According to a recent research release, just six months of exercise can go a long way toward helping to reduce the negative impact that dementia can have. This particular study looked at mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is characterized by a small loss in thinking ability. An individual with MCI does not have the same severe memory loss or confusion that those with more pronounced types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, have, but they do experience forgetfulness and can have trouble focusing or staying on task.

 

Someone with MCI might not have difficulty getting through the day, but it can be a bit more tricky than usual. The biggest danger of MCI is that someone with this type of dementia is at an elevated risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Luckily, this team of researchers found that aerobic exercise could reverse some of the symptoms of MCI. They recently published their findings in the journal Neurology.

 

This is big news for a lot of people. According to some estimates, as many as 15-20 percent of those that are age 65 or older suffer from MCI. There’s still no word on whether or not preventing MCI can lead to the prevention of more severe cognitive issues, like Alzheimer’s. However, regardless of what the future implications of this might be, it is a positive development. Exercise can go a long way toward improving mental health and preventing long term cognitive decline.

 

Exercise has been shown to help those with various forms of dementia.

 

If other research studies are correct, this even holds true for Alzheimer’s disease in some cases. There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s, but being physically fit may help to prevent the disease, according to some researchers. When the disease is present, exercise has been shown to delay the progress that it will make through the brain. Again, this is still a developing field of research. However, it is quite clear that aerobic exercise does a lot of good for the brain. Even though it might be difficult for those with any form of dementia to partake in, when it is done, it can be a very valuable addition to someone’s lifestyle.

 

One other difficulty here is that exercise isn’t fun for a lot of people. But this doesn’t mean that it’s not helpful. In fact, it can do so many good things for different aspects of our health that the government and different insurance companies have been promoting exercise for many years. If frequent exercise becomes a habit, it is much easier to maintain as we age. This is why schools have a required physical education hours that must be covered each year. Good health now leads to good health later. And good health leads to less of a need for medical care and a lesser chance of needing senior care.

 

My recommendation is to find something that is fun so you’re more likely to stick with it. Some people don’t like going to the gym, and you certainly don’t need to do so. When you add consistent exercise into your life, the benefits have a lasting impact on your health.

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