Regularly engaging in walking may lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease, suggests a recent 10-year long study.
In a recent study, it was found that daily walking can significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline, particularly among individuals with a genetic predisposition for Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease, a severe form of dementia, is caused by a buildup of harmful plaques in the brain that interfere with how nerve cells communicate, leading to their death. The disease progresses over 15-25 years, causing memory loss, confusion, personality changes, and physical decline, and is currently incurable.
The study, which involved 3,000 participants aged 70-79, tracked their daily walking habits over 10 years. The benefits of walking were especially noticeable among those with the APOE4 genotype, which is linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline.
The APOE4 genotype is known to make it harder for the brain to clear plaques, and it is associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline. However, the study suggests that regular physical activity, particularly walking, may counteract this risk. Exercise promotes brain health by improving cerebral blood flow, reducing inflammation, enhancing mitochondrial function, and possibly reducing amyloid and tau pathology.
Experts believe that proteins released from muscles during exercise might travel to the brain and stimulate an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), aiding in brain cell growth and connection formation. Furthermore, exercise is thought to strengthen the gene expression program that microglia need to function properly, potentially reducing neuroinflammation.
The study recommends reducing sedentary behaviour by introducing small bouts of walking in between times of sitting down. However, more research is needed to determine the minimum amount of walking for different subgroups, such as females versus males and APOE4 carriers versus non-carriers.
Dr. Wrann, one of the study's authors, emphasises that it's never too late to start exercising and that every step counts, especially when the exercise regimen is enjoyable and sustainable. He encourages individuals to find an exercise routine that they enjoy and can stick to in the long run.
In conclusion, the mechanism of Alzheimer's involves complex protein aggregations driving neurodegeneration, and regular walking can counteract risk factors by supporting brain vascular health and reducing inflammatory processes that would otherwise accelerate pathological changes in genetically susceptible individuals. It is hoped that further research will shed more light on the benefits of exercise in preventing and managing Alzheimer's disease.
- Regular physical activity, such as walking, may counteract the risk of cognitive decline associated with the APOE4 genotype, a genetic predisposition linked to Alzheimer's disease, as suggested by a recent study.
- The study recommends reducing sedentary behavior by incorporating small bouts of walking into daily routines, with the hope of determining the minimum amount of walking beneficial for different subgroups, including APOE4 carriers and non-carriers.
- Experts believe that proteins released from muscles during exercise might stimulate an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), aiding in brain cell growth and connection formation.
- Exercise promotes brain health by improving cerebral blood flow, reducing inflammation, enhancing mitochondrial function, and potentially reducing amyloid and tau pathology, making it essential in health and wellness regimens, especially for those with medical conditions like Alzheimer's disease and neurological disorders.
