{"id":6473,"date":"2019-06-17T18:35:34","date_gmt":"2019-06-17T18:35:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcare.com\/blog\/2019\/06\/17\/alzheimers-and-exercise\/"},"modified":"2019-06-17T18:35:34","modified_gmt":"2019-06-17T18:35:34","slug":"alzheimers-and-exercise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/kitchener-waterloo\/resources\/alzheimers-and-exercise\/","title":{"rendered":"Alzheimer\u2019s and Exercise: Improving Mental Health and Cognitive Function"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Degenerative brain diseases, such as Alzheimer\u2019s, are a foremost concern for anyone who is aging. \u00a0To find ways to reduce symptoms and slow cognitive impairment, researchers and scientists are suggesting that medium-intensity walking exercises can have an effect by increasing the availability and health of blood vessels in the brain. These studies suggest that exercise has a clear link to the health of your brain, especially over the age of 60.<\/p>\n<div class=\"separators-custom-box-wrapper\">\n        <div class=\"separators-custom-box\">\n            <div class=\"cta_title\">In-home Caregiver in Kitchener-waterloo<\/div>\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/kitchener-waterloo\" class=\"c-btn -small -inverted has-icon icon-right\">\n                <span class=\"c-btn__txt\">\n                    GET IN TOUCH           \n                <\/span>\n                <span class=\"c-btn__ico\">\n                    <svg width=\"30\" height=\"30\" class=\"ASD icon icon-lib-icon-arrow1 contact-info__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\">\n                        <use xlink:href=\"#lib-icon-arrow1\"><\/use>\n                    <\/svg>            \n                <\/span>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_36 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><label for=\"item\" aria-label=\"Table of Content\"><span style=\"display: flex;align-items: center;width: 35px;height: 30px;justify-content: center;\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/kitchener-waterloo\/resources\/alzheimers-and-exercise\/#Related_Conditions_and_Causes_of_Declining_Cognitive_Health\" title=\"Related Conditions and Causes of Declining Cognitive Health\">Related Conditions and Causes of Declining Cognitive Health<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/kitchener-waterloo\/resources\/alzheimers-and-exercise\/#Scientific_Studies_Discover_How_to_Help_Prevent_Dementia\" title=\"Scientific Studies Discover How to Help Prevent Dementia\">Scientific Studies Discover How to Help Prevent Dementia<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Conditions_and_Causes_of_Declining_Cognitive_Health\"><\/span><strong>Related Conditions and Causes of Declining Cognitive Health<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Participants with vascular cognitive impairment, sometimes called vascular dementia or VCI, who walked three hours per week for six months had improved reaction times and other signs of improved brain function, as reported in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. As well,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.news-medical.net\/news\/20170516\/Physical-activity-can-help-prevent-manage-Alzheimers-disease-and-other-dementias.aspx\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">University of British Columbia has conducted their own study<\/a>: &#8220;As there is no current cure for Alzheimer&#8217;s, there is an urgent need for interventions to reduce the risk of developing it and to help manage the symptoms,&#8221; says study first author Kathleen Martin Ginis, professor in UBC&#8217;s School of Health and Exercise Sciences. &#8220;After evaluating all research available, our panel agrees that physical activity is a practical, economical and accessible intervention for both the prevention and management of Alzheimer&#8217;s disease and other dementias.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Vascular cognitive impairment refers to mildly impaired thinking or more advanced dementia that\u2019s caused by the same kinds of blood vessel damage seen with heart disease elsewhere in the body. It is the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer\u2019s disease. The brain is an organ which requires oxygen from the blood to perform its function. When these blood vessels lose strength and degenerate, the brain is unable to receive its necessary nutrients, resulting in cognitive decline. These studies all come to the same conclusion \u2013 exercise can promote vascular health and contribute to the overall health of cognitive functions.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Our Always Best Care South Bay team helps seniors suffering mental decline;\u00a0<\/strong><strong><a href=\"#\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">learn more here<\/a>!<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Scientific_Studies_Discover_How_to_Help_Prevent_Dementia\"><\/span><strong>Scientific Studies Discover How to Help Prevent Dementia<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ok.ubc.ca\/2017\/05\/16\/exercising-can-protect-the-brain-from-alzheimers-disease\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">The study went on to find<\/a>\u00a0that, second to exercise, reduced blood pressure was associated with improved cognitive function. Aerobic exercise was identified by this study as an effective method to see clear results towards a healthier brain. The study divided participants into two groups. The first group performed 1 hour walking classes,\u00a03 times a week, whereas the second group was left to their usual care. In addition, both groups were provided information on how to start a healthy diet, as well as information on VCI and tips to improve cognitive function. Before the beginning of this, both groups\u00a0<a href=\"#\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">received an MRI to determine their current brain function<\/a>. At the end of 6 weeks, both groups received the same MRI. The researchers found that the first group, which performed aerobic exercise, had clearly changed to be aligned closer to healthy brain function. The second group was unchanged.<\/p>\n<p>This study, and similar studies conducted across the globe, reveal that our brain health is dependent on exercise to maintain vascular strength, and therefore cognitive function as well. As we age, the blood vessels through are body are subject to wear \u2013 like the old adage goes, \u201cIf you don\u2019t use it, you lose it\u201d. Our blood is the transport for nutrients, especially oxygen, and without that bloodline areas of the body become deficient and unable to perform to their capacity. With all this in mind, we are confident in suggesting that anyone who is aging talk to their doctor and find a method to practice aerobic exercise weekly. Whether this means going for a one hour walk a few times per week, or taking a trip to the pool, getting your blood pumping is proving to be essential in delaying the effects of dementia.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>We offer <a href=\"#\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Counselling and Care Management<\/a>.<\/strong> <strong>As well,\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"\/in-home-care\/\"><strong>our services ensure that seniors receive world-class care in the comfort of their own homes<\/strong><\/a><strong>. Find out\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"#\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>how Always Best Care can help your family, relatives, or friends<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>from the South Bay to West Los Angeles.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4>Call us today:\u00a0<a href=\"tel:310-792-8666\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">310-792-8666<\/a><\/h4>\n<div class=\"separators-custom-box-wrapper\">\n        <div class=\"separators-custom-box\">\n            <div class=\"cta_title\">In-home Care Services in Kitchener-waterloo<\/div>\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/kitchener-waterloo\" class=\"c-btn -small -inverted has-icon icon-right\">\n                <span class=\"c-btn__txt\">\n                    GET IN TOUCH           \n                <\/span>\n                <span class=\"c-btn__ico\">\n                    <svg width=\"30\" height=\"30\" class=\"icon icon-lib-icon-arrow1 contact-info__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\">\n                        <use xlink:href=\"#lib-icon-arrow1\"><\/use>\n                    <\/svg>            \n                <\/span>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Degenerative brain diseases, such as Alzheimer\u2019s, are a foremost concern for anyone who is aging. \u00a0To find ways to reduce symptoms and slow cognitive impairment, researchers and scientists are suggesting that medium-intensity walking exercises can have an effect by increasing the availability and health of blood vessels in the brain. These studies suggest that exercise&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6474,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[164],"tags":[100,130,68,79,93],"class_list":["post-6473","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dementia-care"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/kitchener-waterloo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6473","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/kitchener-waterloo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/kitchener-waterloo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/kitchener-waterloo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/kitchener-waterloo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6473"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/kitchener-waterloo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6473\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/kitchener-waterloo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6474"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/kitchener-waterloo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6473"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/kitchener-waterloo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6473"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysbestcarecanada.ca\/kitchener-waterloo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6473"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}