Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease Article from CK Fitness - Senior Adult Fitness DVD's and Programming

In a recently published study (May 2006), researchers Want, Larson, Bowen and van Belle have found significant evidence that lower levels of physical activity and performance were associated with an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.

Previous studies have shown that motor function decline is associated with white matter changes in the brain. White matter lesions are associated with hippocampal atrophy, a typical feature of Alzheimer's disease. And similar studies suggest that motor function decline might be associated with pathologic changes related to the progression of dementia.

The purpose of this recent study was to investigate whether poor physical function precedes the onset of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Participants were enrolled in the Adult Changes in Thought Act (study), a population-based longitudinal study of aging and dementia. Participants, 2,288 of them, received the Cognitive Ability Screening Instrument (CASI) as initial screening for cognitive function and were interviewed with structured questionnaires for baseline data.

Follow-up examinations were conducted biennially to identify incident dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.

Physical function was assessed by 4 physical performance tests: 10-ft. timed walk, chair-stand time (time to stand from a seated position in a chair to a standing position, repeated 5 times), standing balance, and grip strength in the dominant hand. Participants who exercised at least three times a week were classified as exercising regularly in this study.

For statistical analysis, the relationship between cognitive performance and physical performance at baseline was examined by linear regression models.

Of the 2,288 participants older than 65 years and dementia free initially, persons with poor physical function were at an increased risk for developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease, and had an increased rate of cognitive decline during the six (6) years of follow-up.
Poor standing balance was associated with an increased risk of dementia among persons without apparent cognitive impairment.
Participants who scored lower on the performance-based physical function (PPF) scores were less likely to remain dementia free than those who scored higher on the PPF test.

Physical function and cognitive function are likely connected, especially in aging. This study helps explain the association of physical exercise with a reduced risk of dementia, suggesting that exercise, by improving and maintaining physical function, might benefit cognitive function through a connection between the two. So the answer to the above question...you can "EXERCISE".

Try to be active and get physical exercise at least three times a week. CK Fitness, Inc. offers a variety of exercise options. Go to our CK Fitness products page and order on-line today. Get started in reducing your risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease.