Cardiovascular Fitness and
Alzheimer ’ s Disease
Dementia is a general term for various brain disorders that can affect behavior , thinking and memory . Among the condition that qualify as dementia , Alzheimer ’ s disease ( AD ) is the most common . According to the Texas Department of State
6 Living 60 + / September 2024 / News & Tribune
Health Services , AD is an irreversible condition that destroys memory , thinking and the ability to carry out daily activities . Although initial AD symptoms may be mild , the disease worsens over time and eventually people with AD will need full-time care . Many people are interested in any ways they can reduce the severity of AD or stave off its progression . Cardiovascular fitness could be an important tool in that fight . Aerobic exercise programs aimed at improving cardiovascular fitness seem to have moderate
effects on cognitive function among healthy older persons . But data from current randomized control trials are insufficient to show that these improvements are due exclusively to improved cardiovascular fitness .
Here are a few notable ways exercise could affect AD outcomes .
• Improved blood flow : Regular cardiovascular exercise facilitates blood circulation to the brain . Better blood flow delivers adequate oxygen and nutrients to the brain , which is important for maintaining cognitive function .
• Risk factor reduction : Cardio helps manage several risk factors associated with AD , such as diabetes , high cholesterol and high blood pressure . By lowering these risk factors , individuals may reduce their liklihood of developing forms of dementia .
• Reduced inflammation and oxidative stress : Physical activity can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body , each of which are linked to neurodegenerative diseases . The American Brain Foundation says high levels of inflammation of the brain may accelerate brain aging and contribute to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like AD , Parkinson ’ s disease and Lewy body dementia . Although cardiovascular exercise cannot prevent dementia , it may help delay its onset .