Healthy Body, Healthy Mind
New research supports role of exercise in slowing Alzheimer’s-related memory loss
January 31, 2013
While those who exercise know that the release of endorphins feels good, many do not know that exercise can go as far as helping those suffering from a condition like Alzheimer’s Disease, which accounts for between 50-70% of cases of dementia in Australia. Now, a new study* has revealed even stronger evidence that even moderate exercise can delay the onset of memory loss related to the disease.
The University of Nottingham (UK) research identified for the first time a stress hormone produced during moderate exercise that may protect the brain from Alzheimer’s-induced memory loss.
Exercise is Medicine Australia spokesperson Prof. Robert Newton, of Edith Cowan University, Perth, welcomed the findings.
“This new study builds on the evidence that people who are physically active have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those who are inactive,” Prof. Newton said.
“A well-managed, ongoing exercise program can improve cognition and memory in people with Alzheimer’s. Our recommendation, then, is to get active now – before you have to deal with such a devastating disease.”
Prof. Newton added, “While there is much we don’t know about the causes of the disease, the risk factors are largely associated with low levels of physical activity.”
Alzheimer’s and heart disease generally have the same risk factors such as reduced physical activity, obesity and conditions such as high cholesterol and blood pressure, reduced glucose tolerance or Type 2 diabetes, as well as a high proportion of body fat compared to muscle mass.
Exercise is Medicine Australia is hopeful that its aim to make every doctor consider physical activity and exercise as a standard part of treatment programs will result in more prescriptions for exercise, for prevention and treatment of chronic conditions.
The organisation maintains that exercise can help manage Alzheimer’s by slowing the progression of the disease, improving physical and mental function, slowing or even reversing muscle wasting often associated with the advanced disease and improving the mood, managing depression and lessening the behavioural problems of many patients. The new University of Nottingham research further supports this direction.
Recommended activity for preventing and managing Alzheimer’s Disease
Meet or exceed the following:
– Continuous or intermittent aerobic (cardiovascular) exercise: 20–60 minutes per session, 3–5 times per week. It is recommended that this exercise is done at 60–90% of your maximum heart rate which is easily estimated as 220 minus your age in years. Examples may include running, walking, tennis, cycling or swimming.
– Resistance or weight training: aim for 6-8 different types of exercises per session – for each do 6–12 repetitions maximum performed over 3 sets. Try to do 2 or more sessions per week. It is important to exercise all major muscle groups weekly. Examples may include exercising with weights, aqua aerobics or bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, squats, lunges and step ups.
– Flexibility exercises for major muscle groups: 2–4 sets of each exercise 2–3 times per week. Examples may include yoga, pilates or stretching.
– Your total weekly exercise should be two to two-and a half hours, depending on the intensity of your aerobic exercise.
Download a fact sheet on the role of exercise in managing Alzheimer’s Disease at www.exerciseismedicine.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Alzheimers-disease-Full.pdf.
For more information please visit www.exerciseismedicine.org.au. We strongly recommend that you see an accredited exercise physiologist for an appropriate and safe exercise prescription.
Ends.
For further media information, please contact Maya from Fresh PR & Marketing on 0410 109 102 or email maya@freshprm.com.au.
*University of Nottingham. “Exercise can slow onset of Alzheimer’s memory loss: Scientists identify link.” ScienceDaily, 24 Jan. 2013. Web. 30 Jan. 2013.
ABOUT ESSA
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) is the peak professional body for exercise and sports science in Australia, and provides national leadership and advocacy on key issues. ESSA supports its 3,500+ members and the community by fostering excellence in professional practice, education, training and research.
Website: www.essa.org.au
ABOUT EXERCISE IS MEDICINE®
Exercise is Medicine®, as an initiative of Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA), aims to make physical activity and exercise a standard part of a disease prevention and treatment paradigm in Australia, improving community health and reducing long-term health care costs. The program hopes to make every Australian doctor consider physical activity and exercise as a standard part of treatment programs, resulting in more prescribed exercise for the prevention or treatment of chronic conditions.
The three guiding principles of Exercise is Medicine® Australia are designed to improve the health and well being of all Australians through regular physical activity prescription from doctors and other allied health providers. The guiding principles include:
· Physical activity and exercise are important to health, and to the prevention and treatment of many chronic diseases;
· More should be done to address physical activity and exercise in health care settings; and
· Doctors should support the referral of patients to appropriately trained allied health professionals to deliver exercise treatment services.
Official Media Spokesperson for this release:
Professor Robert Newton
Edith Cowan University, Perth
E: r.newton@ecu.edu.au
P: 08 6304 5037
Anita Hobson-Powell
Executive Officer
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
327 Sandgate Road Albion QLD 41010
E: Anita.Hobson-Powell@essa.org.au
P: 07 3862 4122 M: 0400 519 800
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