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An ongoing conversation in the realm of senior care has taken shape in recent years as researchers try to determine whether Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are preventable. Dementia refers to the group of symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s, including forgetfulness and impaired thinking. And, while research is still not conclusive, recent findings about the risk factors and impact of exercise are both encouraging and enlightening. Here, the senior care team at WyndRidge Health & Rehabilitation Center in Crossville, TN, shares some of the most eye-opening insights.

Risk Factors for the Disease

According to the Alzheimer’s Association®, there is no one single identifiable risk factor for the disease, aside from a rare genetic mutation which affects less than 1% of all Alzheimer’s patients. Experts suspect a person’s risks are likely a result of a combination of many different factors, such as lifestyle, preexisting health conditions, environment, age, and genetics. Nonetheless, the source confirms there’s a link between a person’s likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s, and as many as 80% of people with Alzheimer’s also have cardiovascular disease.

How Exercise Can Help

senior care Crossville TNSince activity levels play such a crucial role in cardiovascular health, regular exercise could aid in preventing both Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, which results from strokes. The Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation states exercising regularly could even reduce a person’s risk by as much as 50%. According to the source, individuals should aim for 150 minutes each week of combined cardiovascular and strength training exercise to effectively aid in prevention efforts.

But what about individuals who have already been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease? Could exercising regularly benefit them, too? A study from the European University of Madrid indicates that people with the condition who participated in a 12-week exercise program showed “significant improvements” in their ability to complete daily activities. The Alzheimer’s Association explains that even low-intensity physical activity like walking could tremendously improve their quality of life.

While further research must be done to fully understand Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, it’s clear regular exercise may help stave off these conditions. The senior care team at WyndRidge Health & Rehabilitation Center helps their elderly residents stay as active and healthy as possible through targeted treatments like physical therapy and attentive assisted living programs. If you have a loved one who needs dependable senior care, visit the center’s website to learn more about them, or call (931) 707-5687 to speak with one of their helpful associates.

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