What Exercise Reduces the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease?

SadaNews - Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of elderly people around the world, and this number is expected to double by 2060. However, research has shown that there are steps that can reduce the risk of dementia through specific types of exercise.

New research has revealed that engaging in dual-task exercises, in particular, has greater benefits in combating dementia.

Dual-Task Exercises

In this context, physical therapist Dr. Heather Sandison emphasized the importance of dual-task exercises, explaining that this type of exercise requires the body to engage both physically and mentally.

For example, walking while talking to someone else at the same time can be a form of dual-task exercise.

A study published in 2022 in the journal "Alzheimer's Disease" examined how dual-task training, which involves activities that combine physical movement with mental challenges, affects older adults with cognitive decline.

The study's results revealed that sessions ranging from two to five per week, each lasting 30 to 120 minutes, led to significant improvements in memory, attention, problem-solving, balance, and walking speed.

Surprisingly, researchers found that it reduced levels of beta-amyloid, a protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Coordinating Movement and Focus Simultaneously

Researchers explain that the reason for this is that this type of exercise forces the brain to process information, coordinate movement, and maintain focus simultaneously.

This simultaneous demand activates multiple brain networks, strengthens neural connections, and enhances neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to adapt and form new pathways. Over time, this mental and physical synergy can help maintain both cognitive skills and physical independence, making it a valuable tool for dementia prevention.

However, experts strongly emphasize that there is no single habit that guarantees protection against Alzheimer’s disease. Only through the regular combination of dual-task exercises with other healthy options, such as a balanced diet, social participation, and managing health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, can the risk of Alzheimer’s be reduced.

It is noted that studies have shown that about 35% of the risk of dementia is linked to modifiable factors, such as midlife hypertension, obesity, smoking, social isolation, hearing loss, depression, diabetes, and lack of physical activity.