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Americans are living longer than ever, which is great news, of course. But it also means that more and more of the population are facing new challenges and struggles related to aging; for many it comes in the form of cognitive impairment. Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders are now the seventh leading cause of death in the world, according to the World Health Organization. About a third of all seniors die from Alzheimer’s disease or some other type of dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. But, luckily, researchers recently found one thing you can do to prevent possible cognitive impairment and it will only take 30 minutes out of your day. Continue reading to learn more.
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This month, researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center published a study in the Journal of Applied Physiology examine the link between Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia and exercise. Scientists in Texas were interested in finding out what could be done to improve the quality of life of the more than 6 million Americans living with some form of dementia.
The one-year study included 70 men and women aged 55 to 80 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), who progress to full-blown Alzheimer’s disease half the time. The researchers divided the participants into two groups: the first was tasked with brisk walking several times a week, while the second took part in a stretching and toning class without an aerobic component. The first group started with three workouts per week lasting 25 to 30 minutes, and after seven months they built up to four or five brisk walking sessions each week that lasted for 30 to 40 minutes. According to the study, the walking group saw increased motor skills and improved memory and cognitive function, in addition to improved cardio fitness. The group assigned to do stretching and toning activities for a year, however, did not.
“Aerobic exercise is very important for improving both vascular function and brain function,” said Rong zhang, PhD, the study’s principal investigator and professor of neurology at UT Southwestern, told Heathline. “The brain is a unique organ. It needs constant blood flow and oxygen supply.”
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While we generally think of Alzheimer’s disease as a disease that affects very old people, more and more cases are occurring in younger patients as well. Nearly 30 percent of all cases are now reported in Americans under the age of 75, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
And dementia precocious, that is, dementia diagnosed in people between the ages of 30 and 65, has more than doubled in recent years, according to data from Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Between 250,000 and 300,000 Americans currently suffer from some form of dementia precocious, and women account for a disproportionate number of these cases. Almost 60% of all early-onset cases are diagnosed in women, reports Blue Cross Blue Shield.
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Not all blackouts are a sign of dementia, but experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that if you’re concerned about being diagnosed with dementia, there are several things to watch out for.
If you suddenly find yourself easily lost or confused, or having trouble remembering common words or performing everyday tasks, you could be in the early stages of dementia. Dementia can also cause people to repeat themselves or have difficulty following stories. There are also mood swings, such as listlessness and depression, which could be symptomatic of the illness.
If you think you have dementia you should talk to your doctor.
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Scientists are working diligently to find cures for dementia. Earlier this summer, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved a one-of-a-kind drug to treat the underlying causes of dementia called Aduhelm. Because it is the first drug to treat the underlying causes rather than focusing on the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, the FDA has granted Aduhelm “fast-track” or fast-track approval, despite voting against 10 of the 11 members of the FDA drug panel.
Three panel members resigned after Aduhelm’s approval, saying it offered false hope to people with Alzheimer’s. In his resignation from the panel, Aaron Kesselheim, MD, a professor at Harvard Medical School, called drug approval “possibly the worst drug approval decision in recent US history,” and said Aduhelm offered “little evidence “that it would be” meaningful “to people with dementia.
But as scientists continue to debate the effectiveness of this drug, there’s no doubt that walking faster is a safe and easy way to keep your brain healthy.
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