There are so many positive side effects to walking regularly that it is not surprising that research suggests that walking for thirty minutes at least twice a week in your middle years could reduce the likelihood of suffering from dementia in later years by half. While there is not one specific cause of Alzheimer’s disease (named for Dr. Alois Alzheimer who chronicled the brain changes in a patient who displayed the classic symptoms in 1906) research has suggested that diabetes, high blood pressure and coronary artery disease are risk factors. Walking is not alone good for your heart but can help to prevent brain shrinkage and memory loss, which is a feature of Alzheimer’s disease.
The University of Pittsburgh produced the results of a study in 2010 which suggests that older people who walked more had a greater chance of avoiding the devastating symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers had followed a group of approximately 300 people, whose average age was seventy eight, for nine years
One of the devastating symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease is memory loss. Memory loss is caused by brain shrinkage and in this study participants who walked regularly were found to have less brain shrinkage in key areas when tested nine years later. The study established a link between walking more and better mental function. People who walk more, approximately six to nine miles per day, are less likely to suffer from dementia. There are, of course, many variables in individual participants in the study and while the study does not prove that walking causes the preservation of cognitive function it does suggest that those who walked more appeared to have better preserved brain tissue which aided the conservation of memory.
If you would like to contribute now to avoiding dementia in later years walk more. If you’ve been inactive for a while return to activity slowly and gently. Look for small ways to add extra movement to your day. It takes about 28 days to change a routine into a habit but once you reach this goal you will find it easier. Regular exercise will be part of your daily routine. If you would like to restart a walking program click here.
Lifestyle factors such as exercise, healthy diet and a good social life help protect your brain as it ages You may be able to prevent or slow down the effects of aging on your brain by taking action now. Eat more healthy food, exercise regularly and improve your social life. For senior walkers you may find the following article helpful click here.
Walking is excellent physical exercise. It costs nothing, needs no special gear apart from good footwear and you can start from your own front door! In addition to improving memory regular walking will reduce stress, increase energy and boost your mood. So why not give it a try.
