Cardiovascular Fitness and Alzheimer’s Disease
Dementia is a general term for various brain disorders that can affect behavior, thinking, and memory. Among the conditions that qualify as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common, and is an irreversible condition that destroys memory, thinking, and the ability to carry out daily activities.
Although initial AD symptoms may be mild, the disease worsens over time and eventually, people with AD will need full-time care. Many people are interested in any ways they can reduce the severity of AD or stave off its progression. Cardiovascular fitness could be an important tool in that fight.
Cardiovascular activity may help lessen the impact of dementia, and AD in particular.
According to a 2018 study published in the journal Neurology, a population-based sample of 1,462 Swedish women between the ages of 38 and 60 was examined in 1968, and then followed up within various intervals until 2009. Researchers found that women who partook in high fitness regimens saw their age of dementia onset delayed by 9.5 years. Time to dementia onset was delayed by five years compared to medium fitness participants.
Another study from 2020 published in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience looked at exercise for those who already have AD as a method for slowing the decline in activities of daily living (ADL). The study found that ADL decline was slower among individuals who engaged in an hour of aerobic exercise training twice a week compared to those in the non-active group. However, there was no effect on behavioral symptoms, depression, or nutritional scores.
Aerobic exercise programs aimed at improving cardiovascular fitness seem to have moderate effects on cognitive function among healthy older persons. But, data from current randomized control trials are insufficient to show that these improvements are due exclusively to improved cardiovascular fitness. Still, incorporating cardiovascular exercise in all stages of life is important. Here are a few notable ways exercise could affect AD outcomes.
- Improved blood flow: Regular cardiovascular exercise facilitates blood circulation to the brain. Better blood flow delivers adequate oxygen and nutrients to the brain, which is important for maintaining cognitive function.
- Risk factor reduction: Cardio helps manage several risk factors associated with AD, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. By lowering these risk factors, individuals may reduce the likelihood of developing forms of dementia.
- Reduced inflammation and oxidative stress: Physical activity can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, each of which are linked to neurodegenerative diseases. The American Brain Foundation says high levels of inflammation of the brain may accelerate brain aging and contribute to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like AD, Parkinson’s disease, and Lewy body dementia.
- Improved sleep: Regular exercise can help promote more regular sleep patterns, which improves mood and cognitive health.
Although cardiovascular exercise cannot prevent dementia, it may help delay its onset.