Exercise can reduce risk of Alzheimer's at any age

Daily physical activity can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease even in people over 80, according to new research by the Department of Neurology University Medical Center , in Chicago, United States. Researchers gathered 716 seniors in the 82-year age group, all without any dementia, and monitored their physical activity levels using a device called the actigraph.

After three and a half years, 71 people developed Alzheimer's disease . Those who were only practicing 10% of the recommended amount of exercise were twice as likely to develop the disease. Scholars also found that not only activities such as jogging and bodybuilding help reduce Alzheimer's risk, but also tasks such as washing dishes, cooking, playing cards, and even using a wheelchair.

According to scholars, Elderly people should be encouraged to follow a more active lifestyle, whether going up and down stairs or washing dishes. They also state that more studies are needed to find out how exercise can help in the prevention of dementia.

Follow 6 Tracks of Alzheimer's before It Becomes

"Smoking, Obesity, Hypertension and Diabetes Contribute to Increased Injuries in the brain that leads to loss of cognition, "says psychiatrist Cássio Bottino, from the Institute of Psychiatry at the Medical School of USP. Lesions, associated with the connection difficulties between neurons, give rise to the majority of Alzheimer's diagnoses today. Next, experts discuss the relationship between these factors and give you tips for better health and protection against Alzheimer's:

Metabolic Syndrome

Geriatrician Yolanda Boechat, coordinator of the Center for Reference to Care for the Elderly UFF-RJ, explains that the metabolic syndrome raises the incidence of cerebral vascular disease, in addition to increasing oxidative stress. The syndrome causes a greater accumulation of fat in the blood, making circulation in the body difficult. With this, there is an increase of microcardiopathic lesions, as well as cerebral atrophy. According to the specialist, these factors, together, can increase memory loss by up to 40%.

Hypertension

In a hypertension scenario, the intensity with which the blood circulates ends up causing lesions in the vessels, brain. "Damaged, they end up bringing less blood, oxygenation and nutrients to the brain," says Cássio Bottino. Brain tissue is very dependent on blood oxygenation and may lose capacity if vascular failure develops.

Smoking

"Cigarette accelerates the process of neurological aging and brain atrophy, which aggravates the chances of Alzheimer's," he says. Yolanda Boechat. In addition, it is possible that the risk is increased because of small cerebrovascular infarctions that increase the death of neurons caused by the toxins present in the cigarette.

Alcohol

The consumption of more than two daily doses of alcohol, no matter the drink increases the chances of having neurological disorders by almost 10%. Otherwise, the chronic alcoholic suffers from the loss of brain tissue, that is, the brain shrinks over time and aggravate problems such as forgetfulness and loss of recent memory. But the consumption of a daily dose of alcohol (and this varies according to the drink) can delay the onset of Alzheimer's.

Physical activity, in addition to combating obesity and other risk factors pointed out by the study, bathe the brain with endorphin. This hormone is an antioxidant capable of cleaning the brain and eliminating free radicals, combating cell aging. "Regular physical activity also contributes to the blood supply to neuronal cells, improving connections and thinking," says the doctor. Yolanda.

Depression

The relationship difficulty caused by depression impairs memory and communication skills, inhibiting the functioning of parts of the brain. "If left untreated, depression can lead to failure of the brain area responsible for memory (hippocampus), including that of recent events."

Datena goes bad and is taken to hospital

TV presenter José Luiz Datena, 60, felt ill on the morning of Thursday (06) during a recording at Band, in São Paulo, and was rushed to the scene. According to TV columnist Keila Jimenez, of the R7, he was ill in the hospital. cafeteria of the station where he works, almost fainting and being rescued by colleagues.

(Health)

Being underweight increases risk of dementia, says study

The importance of maintaining a balanced weight is well known, and much is said about controlling obesity. However, a study published in the medical journal Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology has shown that lowering can also pose health risks, greatly increasing the risk of dementia, which can lead to Alzheimer's.

(Health)