Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that causes loss of memory and mental abilities, eventually leading to dementia and finally death. It is NOT a normal part of aging. It affects a person’s ability to learn, reason, remember and communicate. There is no cure and there is no single cause. It gets progressively worse over time, affecting a person’s total lifestyle.
In the brain, there are several billion nerve cells (neurons). Communication networks are formed connecting each of these nerve cells. Different cells in the brain are specialized to nourish and support other cells, including ones that are involved with thinking, learning and memory. Other cells tell our muscles when and how to move. In order to function properly, these cells need nourishment and oxygen. Alzheimer’s disease prevents these cells from getting the oxygen and nourishment that it needs to function. As damage spreads, the cells can no longer do their jobs and eventually die, causing the patient to eventually die as basic functions i.e. swallowing, breathing,cease.
We have no debates as to whether or not there are physical and mental benefits of exercise. Scientific evidence advises us that we can dramatically increase the probability of staying fit both mentally and physically throughout our lives by exercise. This translates directly to a better quality of life.
More so, “Use it or lose it” very much applies to our bodies as well as our brains.
There is good evidence that physical exercise, good nutrition, social connections and mental stimulation all play parts in keeping our bodies and brains healthy and sharp.
I am hoping that physical activity will enrich the mental health and quality of life for elderly people with Alzheimer’s, as well as hopefully slow the progress for, in particular, my father, who is in the late stages of the disease.