Witnessing a family member who has cancer, Alzheimer’s, or another potentially life-limiting disease can be catastrophic. You may feel helpless and frustrated that there’s not anything you can do to assist. It could also leave you nervous and unsure about your health. This is ESCPECIALLY true for a condition like Alzheimer’s disease, where much about the disease remains unknown.
One is a routine exercise. Researchers believe daily exercise reduces stress and reduces the chance of heart disease and diabetes. Both diseases are thought to contribute to Alzheimer’s.
Exercise and Brain Health
A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease investigated the possible links between brain health and Alzheimer’s disease. They recruited participants that have been 78 years old on average and living a sedentary lifestyle. Researchers divided the participants into two classes:
Older adults that seemed wholesome | Older adults are known to have mild cognitive impairment
Over the 12-week trial and under the supervision of a trainer, participants worked on a treadmill. When the 12 weeks were finished, both teams demonstrated improvement in cardiovascular fitness, memory performance, and neural efficiency. Researchers surmised exercise probably plays an integral role in maintaining and potentially improving brain function and memory recall, even for people who have mild cognitive impairment.
Family Fitness: Ideas for Seniors and Caregivers
One encouraging finding that emerged from this study was a little exercise makes a huge difference. A moderate rate was- regarded as a speed that raises the heart rate while allowing the participant to continue a conversation.
Fitness activities you can do alone or with others, we have some suggestions. Two sites that have free online sources are:
National Institute on Aging: The Exercise and Physical Activity site on their website have various resources and articles you will find useful. Besides, they have a Go4Life Exercise Video station on YouTube you can trace.
Growing Stronger: Launched by Tufts University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this application also has a Selection of information and tools. You can even download their 126-page guide at no cost.
Other suggestions include walking, Tai Chi, Pilates, yoga, high quality biking, and high heeled aerobics. Assuming your out of shape and overweight you’ve been living a relatively sedentary lifestyle or have not exercised recently, it is a fantastic idea to check in with your health care provider. They could recommend the types and duration of exercise you should engage in.
At St Oaks Senior Living communities, in near you in New Orleans surrounding areas of Louisiana and Mississippi our citizens profit from a unique, holistic approach to wellness. Through our Lifestyle assisted living program, they’ve got an opportunity to engage in activities that nurture the physical dimension of health. From morning stretches to power training and Zumba, an activity matches every interest and ability. Call – now to learn more!
