Reduce the risk of dementia by exercising every day. Regardless of age or disease diagnosis, walking 10,000 steps per day will help us. Keep moving.
My 101 year old grandma use to say “you’ve got to keep it moving!” New data was just released from the Journal of the American Medical Association Neurology. In layman’s terms – walking may contribute to cutting our risks of getting dementia – possibly by 50%.
The findings are based on a study of approximately 80,000 people in the U.K. over several years. A higher number of steps was associated with lower risk of dementia. People that walked 9800 steps (about 4-5 miles) had a 50% lower risk. I think there are many other factors that need to be observed over a longer period of time, and I am cautiously optimistic about correlating this data with a reduction in dementia.
However, there definitely seems to be a benefit to intentionally walking every day. My grandma’s advice: get off the couch, “you’ve got to keep it moving!“
Read more about the causes and symptoms of dementia.org
Lewy Body Dementia
Is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s Disease, it’s a brain disorder that results in irreversible cognitive decline and movement problems similar to Parkinson’s disease.
Lewy bodies are an alpha-synuclein protein that develops in area of the brain that effects thinking and motor control. As the synuclein proteins build up it effects the brain, memory, thinking skills, movement, mood and behavior. This protein is also found in the Alzheimer brains. Which makes it difficult to diagnose it.
Disorders characterized by α-synuclein (α-syn) accumulation, Lewy body formation and parkinsonism (and in some cases dementia) are collectively known as Lewy body diseases. The molecular mechanism (or mechanisms) through which α-syn abnormally accumulates and contributes to neuro-degeneration in these disorders remains unknown. read more about this topic
The biggest risk factor is in the ages of 50 to 85 years. Genetics also are a contributing factor. besides walking other exercise would be physical therapy-weight training, cardiovascular training, stretching, and balancing exercises can help improve mood and some motor symptoms. Will reduce the risk of dementia and other related diseases
All in all, the more active we are the better we are.
Aging and finding appropriate care in today’s healthcare environment can be overwhelming. There is no one size fits all solution for senior care. Start by getting help
Here is a report of the risk factors for dementia and other related diseases. Risk-factors_Alzheimer-Society-Canada
The best revenge is to get diagnosed, live well, eat well and exercise to reduce the risk of dementia.
Your family may benefit from Eric’s senior living expertise and access to assisted living, memory care and in-home care options. If you need FREE help finding care for a senior, you can reach Eric Klein, CSA, BCPA, CPRS at CarePatrol O: 847.653.1213 E: eklein@carepatrol.com