KEEPING fit in older age helps stave off Alzheimer’s disease, according to research. Scientists have discovered that bursts of exercise, such as a bike ride or a brisk walk, boost “white matter” tissue found deep within the brain.
This matter contains the crucial nerve fibres which relay messages to and from the brain, maintaining cognitive functions and memory.
In a wide-ranging new study of older people across a fiveyear period, researchers found those with poor fitness levels suffered a faster deterioration in these vital “hubs” between neurons, putting them at a greater risk of dementia.
Neurologist assistant professor Dr Kan Ding, of the University of Texas Southwestern where the research was conducted, said: “This research supports the hypothesis that improving people’s fitness may improve their brain health and slow the ageing process.”
Currently there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s which causes nerve cell death and loss of tissue throughout the brain, leading to dementia. As the disease takes hold the brain shrinks dramatically, affecting most of its functions.
In the UK, around 850,000 people suffer from dementia, costing some £26billion a year. This number is rising rapidly as the population ages and is expected to hit one million by 2025 and two million by 2050.
Source :- express
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