The Anti-Alzheimer's Workout: It's Easier Than You Think
Story at-a-glance
- Animal research on rats found that aerobic exercise significantly reduced key markers of Alzheimer's disease, including a 63% decrease in tau tangles, a 76% reduction in amyloid plaques, and a 58% drop in iron accumulation in the brain
- Exercise improves axon-myelin relationships in the brain, leading to healthier nerve fibers and more effective communication between brain cells
- By 2050, Alzheimer's cases in the U.S. are projected to more than double to 12.7 million, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures like regular exercise
- A 30-year study found that consistent physical activity, especially before age 50, leads to larger hippocampal volume and better cognitive resilience at age 70
- Walking is an accessible exercise for almost everyone; taking an hour walk daily at a brisk pace provides brain-protective benefits, offering significant protection against cognitive decline
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