Healthier blood vessels, lower Alzheimer’s risk

Modest exercise improves cognition in older women

Two recent studies point to the dramatic improvement moderate exercise, moderating diet, and otherwise addressing risk factors may have for improving cognitive function.

Ten years ago the British Medical Journal published a study highlighting the links between  elevated blood pressure and cholesterol, which when combined in mid-life, set up a scenario increasing the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life.

On a positive note, a recent study conducted in China suggests that treating risk factors, whether through diet and exercise, or a combination of diet, exercise and cholesterol and hypertension medications, may assist in preventing the mild impairment in cognition common among the elderly from developing into Alzheimer’s disease. Study participants who took steps to improve heart health and address all of their evaluated risk factors had a 39 per cent reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Another recent study highlights the benefit that aerobic activity has on cognitive functioning and age related memory decline in elderly women.  Lead researcher Dr Zang of the Dallas-based Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine. This research highlights the relationship between vascular health and brain health, underscoring the benefit for the elderly. Vascular health is crucial for transporting nutrients and oxygen to the brain as well as removing the waste products implicated in Alzheimer’s disease.

Sources: Health.com and Medical News Today, 13 April 2011.

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