Exercise improves blood flow to the brain

Regular exercise reduces the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease by up to 40%, US research suggests.

The University of Washington study claims to be the most definitive investigation into the effect of exercise on dementia.

The Annals of Internal Medicine study found the more frail a person was, the more exercise was likely to help them.

A regular gentle work-out was enough to produce a positive effect - even for people aged over 65.

Lead researcher Dr Eric Larson said walking for 15 minutes three times a week was enough to cut the risk.

Not only did regular exercise cut the risk of dementia, the results suggested it might also help to delay progression of the condition in people who begin to develop symptoms.

Even if you're 75 and have never exercised before, you can still benefit by starting to exercise now Dr Eric Larson

Previous studies into the effect of exercise on dementia have produced mixed results.

Long-term follow-up

The study followed 1,740 people aged 65 and older over a six-year period. At the start of the study none showed signs of dementia.

After six years, 158 participants had developed dementia, of which 107 had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

People who exercised three or more times a week had a 30% to 40% lower risk of developing dementia compared with those who exercised fewer than three times per week.

Dr Larson believes exercise may improve brain function by boosting blood flow to areas of the brain used for memory.

He said: "Earlier research has shown that poor blood flow can damage these parts of the brain.

"So one theory is that exercise may prevent damage and might even help repair these areas by increasing blood flow."

"Even if you're 75 and have never exercised before, you can still benefit by starting to exercise now."

Rebecca Wood, of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said previous research had suggested exercise could reduce the risk of Alzheimer's.

In particular, a large study from Sweden published last year drew similar conclusions.

Mrs Wood said: "Most previous studies have found that exercise improves brain function.

"Many researchers believe that what is good for the heart is good for the head."

But she added: "The study is particularly important since it shows that exercise is beneficial even after the age of 65 and even among frailer people."

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4616502.stm

---

Comments by Dr. Janossy:

The 'experts' just don't know why exercise is good against Alzheimer's.
Increased blood flow means more nutrients and much better detoxification.
There are many foods and supplements that could be suggested for Alzheimer's patients, however, non of the research studies promise a total turnaround in the patient's medical condition.
Since in a small study in the US chelation turned around 15 Alzheimer's patients out of 15 research participants (100%), the most promising approach remains the chelation one.
Learn more about PCA-Rx (sublingual spay) and Detoxamin (Ca-EDTA rectal suppository). They belong to the latest generation chelation products.