Regular Aerobics might help prevent advancement of Alzheimer’s, states study

In a recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, it was found that practising aerobics a few times a week might help prevent the progression of cognitive decline. This study was conducted amongst people who were aged 55 and over a period of one year. They were made to practice aerobics or stretching for 20-30 minutes for five days a week. The ones that had done aerobics showed the least signs of hippocampus shrinkage. The hippocampus is the main part of our brains where our memories are stored.

"The key positive finding is that the exercise intervention specifically reduced shrinkage of the memory center in the brain in people with the earliest symptomatic stage of Alzheimer's disease.Most physicians believe in the power of exercise to support overall brain health, but fewer believe that exercise can specifically impact people with early Alzheimer's.” said Dr. Richard Isaacson, the founder of Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic, an organisation dedicated to the study of the disease.

While amyloid clumps have not been entirely prevented, it has been found that regular exercise does slow down its progression. Amyloid clumps are formed when the amyloid protein breaks down and wanders too close to the brain-cells causing their death and enhancing memory degeneration. This is one of the trademark signs of Alzheimer’s.