As if you still need a reason to get up and move more, a new study has found that an active lifestyle can keep your brain healthy, which can slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease and affect dementia . In research only published in the journal Neurology, Has tracked down South Korean scientists 173 older adults who had early signs of these disorders; 27% of them have a genetic variant that makes people prone to Alzheimer’s disease.
Using cognitive tests given at the beginning of the study, one and two years later, researchers found that people who were more physically active experienced less cognitive decline with respect to genes. “Problems with thinking skills and memory can have a negative effect on the quality of life and functioning of people. It is therefore exciting that increasing physical activity can have the potential to slow or prevent cognitive decline,” study author Jin-Sun Jun , managing director, said. , from Hallym University in Seoul, South Korea. Read on – and do not miss it to ensure your health and the health of others Sign that your disease is actually coronavirus.
What is Parkinson’s and dementia?
Parkinson’s disease is a disease caused by the death of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. The reason why those cells die is not fully understood; scientists think that a combination of genetic and environmental factors is responsible. Symptoms include tremor, balanced balance and coordination, limb stiffness and sluggish movement.
The onset of dementia – an umbrella term for a decrease in memory, judgment and the ability to communicate – is also generally unclear. This study involved people with a variant in the APOE e4 gene, who are prone to develop dementia.
Previous studies have found that dementia can stay if you stay active. In 2012, research was published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that in older adults, an active lifestyle – defined as participation in mental, physical or social activity – delayed dementia by an average of 17 months. The researchers found that people who undertook more of the three types of activities experienced a greater delay in the onset of dementia than those who participated less.
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How to stay active
Although experts are not sure why activity keeps your brain healthy, their message is clear: use your cognition or lose it. “Formal education at any stage of life will help you reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia,” recommends the Alzheimer’s Association. “For example, take a class at a local college, community center, or online.” Even less formal ways to challenge your mind – like playing puzzles or playing games – are brain-protective.
The Alzheimer’s Association also says, “Staying socially engaged can support brain health.” “Do social activities that are meaningful to you. Strive for ways to be part of your local community – if you like animals, consider joining a local shelter voluntarily. If you like singing, join to a local choir or help with an after-school program. Or just share activities with friends and family. ‘
It is also useful: to maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure, get enough sleep and do regular cardiovascular exercise. And do not miss this, if you are going through this pandemic in the healthiest way 35 places you are likely to catch COVID.