O Alzheimer It is a neurodegenerative disease that affects millions of people around the world. Recent studies indicate that physical activity can play a crucial role in preventing this condition. According to the Barcelona Global Health Institute (Isglobal), Increasing physical activity between 45 and 65 years old can help prevent Alzheimer’s, while inactivity can be harmful to brain health.
A World Health Organization (WHO) It recommends between 150 and 300 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, or 75 to 150 minutes of intense activity. These guidelines are critical to reducing the risk of various diseases, including Alzheimer’s. ISGLOBAL research highlights the importance of promoting physical activity in middle age to combat the progression of this disease.
How does physical activity affect Alzheimer’s development?
Table of Contents
The study conducted by ISGLOBAL involved 337 middle-aged participants with family history of Alzheimer’s. Researchers used physical activity questionnaires and neuroimaging exams to evaluate the effects of exercise on brain structure and function. Participants were classified into three groups: adherent to the WHO recommendations, non -adherent and sedentary.
The results showed that those who increased their physical activity showed less accumulation of beta amyloid, a protein associated with Alzheimer’s. In addition, non -sedentary participants showed greater cortical thickness, an important feature for memory and whose reduction is an early sign of neurodegeneration.
What are the benefits of increasing physical activity?
Increased physical activity proved to be beneficial for brain mechanisms. Beta amyloid, when accumulated, can make neuronal communication difficult, being one of the first pathological events of Alzheimer’s. Participants who reached the RECORD -recommended activity levels were less accumulated with this protein.
The study suggests that any level of physical activity, even below recommendations, can bring benefits to brain health. This indicates that encouraging movement, regardless of intensity, can be an effective strategy in preventing Alzheimer’s.
Why promote physical activity in middle age?
The researcher Eider Arenaza-Trickjo, from ISGLOBAL, emphasizes that results reinforce the importance of promoting exercise in middle age as a public health strategy. Interventions that encourage increased physical activity may be fundamental to reduce Alzheimer’s incidence in the future.
The study points out that the benefit of physical activity is more related to the increase in exercise over time than to the fulfillment of a specific limit. Thus, fostering physical activity can be a key approach to the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.
How to do
In short, physical activity plays an essential role in preventing Alzheimer’s. Promoting regular exercise, especially in middle age, can significantly reduce the risk of disease development. ISGLOBAL’s findings underline the need for public policies that encourage active lifestyles to improve brain health and prevent neurodegenerative diseases
