Can Exercise Slow Mental Aging? The Answer May Surprise You

For the 6.2 million Americans currently affected by Alzheimer’s disease, the condition can be truly debilitating – interfering with judgment, distorting personality, erasing precious memories, and torpedoing the potential of many seniors to live independently.  While pharmaceutical treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia have yielded disappointing results, brand-new research – involving a simple, natural intervention – might provide a ray of hope.

A just-published Study Researchers from UC San Francisco examined the benefits of regular exercise to improve cognition and memory for older people.  Let’s look at the encouraging findings.

Physical activity alters brainchemistry and protects function

The study was published in the journal Journal of Medical Ethics last month. Alzheimer’s and dementiaThe postmortem examination of 404 seniors from Rush University’s Memory and Aging Project in Chicago was part of the project.  The project had tracked the later-life physical activity of the participants, who had agreed to donate their brains after death.  The scientists found that the patients who had stayed physically active had more of a certain type of protein that enhances the connections (or synapses) between neurons – promoting healthy thought processes and memory and allowing participants to maintain cognition late in life.

Kaitlin Casletto, PhD, a neuropsychologist from the Weill Institute for Neurosciences announced that this research was first to use human data and show that synaptic proteins regulation was related to physical activity.  Furthermore, synaptic improvements were responsible to beneficial Cognitive outcomes.  Not only that – but they could potentially ward off dementia, Dr. Casaletto noted.  “Synaptic health can support the brain against Alzheimer’s disease,” She ended her remarks.

“Warring Proteins” – Presynaptic Protein Diminishes the Harm From Toxic Brain Chemicals

Researchers believe that a pair of proteins – amyloid and tau – are deeply implicated in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.  However, it is not clear if this theory is true.  Experts believe these proteins may be protecting the brain against toxic substances.

However, amyloid protein accumulation can lead to cell dysfunction and death. Tau proteins can also cause neurofibrillary damage. “tangles.” However, higher levels of cholesterol were found to be associated with higher levels of “presynaptic proteins,” Synaptophysin is a synaptic protein that leads to synaptic connections.

A synapse, by the way, is not just an organ. “connection” between neurons.  Dr. Casaletto said that this is the actual site where cognition takes place.  Exercise also helps protect the brain against the harmful effects of tau and amyloid.  Even if the brains of decedents were full of pro-inflammatory tau proteins and amyloid, exercise can still have a protective effect.

Physical Activity Awards “Jackpot” Health Benefits

The study clearly supports the benefits of regular exercise in maintaining cognitive ability.  Scientists already attribute regular exercise with improving cognitive ability. “laundry list” Many benefits.  In addition to improving synaptic function, regular exercise can help alleviate oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, setting the stage for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  And regular exercise can also help reduce both depression and obesity – additional risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease.

Other health benefits include better energy metabolism, better circulation, and the release “feel-good” Endorphins and brain chemicals.

Just about every health expert will suggest 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise – such as power walking, jogging, or biking – several times a week to help maintain reasoning and learning skills, sharpen memory and possibly delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline.  Before you begin a new workout routine, though, consult your integrative physician or a health coach – who can help you find a program that’s right for you.

Slow Mental Aging Using Natural Techniques

Nutrients and supplements that promote cognitive function and accurate memory include rosemary, ginkgo biloba, lion’s mane mushrooms, acetyl-l-carnitine, Panax ginseng, vitamin C, curcumin, and omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA found in fish oil.  In addition, B vitamins – particularly vitamin B12, vitamin B9 (folate), and vitamin B3 (niacin) – can help break down homocysteine, a pro-inflammatory amino acid implicated in poor heart function.  However, it is important to consult with your trusted integrative practitioner before taking any supplements.

Generally speaking, the Mediterranean diet – featuring antioxidant spices, healthy monounsaturated fats such as olive oil, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and limited amounts of high-quality protein – has been linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions.  (It has also been associated with a lower incidence of heart disease as well as longer life – so many healthcare providers suggest this healthy way of eating is a win/win).

Healthy cognition and memory can be supported by getting enough sleep, managing stress naturally, drinking pure water and staying hydrated.

“You’re only as old as you feel,” According to an old saying,  It might be more accurate to say this when you consider the effects that aging has on the brain. “You’re only as old as you THINK.” The latest study shows that seniors who keep active may experience an increase in their ability to stay healthy. “inside track” Staying (cognitively and physically) young.  And that’s something to think about.

Republished from NaturalHealth365

These are some of the sources for this article:

Wiley.com
ScienceDaily.com
LifeExtension.com
NIH.gov
NIH.gov
NIH.gov
EverydayHealth.com