Walks protect against Alzheimer's

Walks protect against Alzheimer's disease and dementia

16/09/2011

Patients suffering from dementia often do not know their name, often do not know where they are or how they got to the place. Anyone who suffers from Alzheimer's loses every day a piece of his own past life. Friends and relatives and beautiful moments of life are fading more and more. Around one million Germans suffer from this serious cognitive disorder. Due to the demographic change of our society, researchers predict another rapid increase. But there are ways to minimize the risk of Alzheimer's dementia.

To date, dementia and Alzheimer's is not curable. Over the past decade, more than 20 evidence-based trials of Alzheimer's drugs have been initiated. In the various stages, all attempts failed to develop an effective drug, as recently US researchers in the journal „Journal of Alzheimer's Disease“ reported. Most recently, in August 2010, gave scientists of the pharmaceutical company „Eli Lilly“ clinical trials. Also the means with the working title „Semagacestat“ did not reach the hoped-for breakthrough.

World Alzheimer's Day events
Everywhere in Germany numerous events take place during the World Alzheimer's Day to explain the incurable illness. Relatives should learn about diagnostics, early detection and help. Informational events, readings, film contributions, exhibitions, dementia tests and theater performances are planned.

Creeping course of dementia
„Dementia is gradual. Cognitive, emotional and social skills are lost through degradation processes in the brain“ explained Professor Bernhard Höltmann of the district hospital Grevenbroich opposite the West German newspaper. Healing or stopping is still not possible despite scientific research efforts. Even the early detection is still very difficult, as the physician emphasized ... However, today we know that there is a context between brain functions and motor skills. Studies have shown that taking regular walks halves the risk of dementia. „Those who travel three kilometers a day on foot halve the risk of developing dementia.“

Diet and exercise prevent Alzheimer's
Höltmann bases his statements on a student research project „University of Pittsburgh“ in Pennsylvania. Physicians had found that even ten kilometers of normal walk-a-week per week would be enough to maintain mental capacity for a longer period of time. Even those already affected could slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease if they regularly walk at least eight kilometers a week on a regular basis. „Walking is not a cure for Alzheimer's, but it can strengthen the brain's resistance to disease“, In conclusion, study author Cyrus Raji explained. Another study showed an influence of the daily diet. For example, research at New York Columbia University found that regular consumption of fruit, vegetables, fish, and nuts significantly reduced Alzheimer's risk.

Pay attention to warnings
If older people always repeat the same stories, often ask the same things or pronounce the same words, the first signs of Alzheimer's dementia may be present. Also, diminishing domestic and physical care or the inability to do a full-time job could be the first sign of the disease. (Sb)

Read about:
Dementia and Alzheimer's
Dementia: A growing social problem
Dementia: holistic treatment approach
Overmedication of dementia patients
World Alzheimer's Day: Experts warn against dementia

Picture: Günter Havlena