23 May 2006: Keeping fit may stave off Alzheimer's, say scientists
IAN JOHNSTON
SCIENCE CORRESPONDENT
BALANCE problems and a weak handshake are early signs of dementia, according to a new study which suggests regular exercise is a good way to keep your brain healthy.
Researchers had expected the first signs of Alzheimer's disease to be mental. But after following nearly 2,300 elderly people for six years they found that those who were physically more able were up to three times less likely to develop the condition.
Among those who did get dementia, the first signs were problems walking and with balance generally, followed by a weak handgrip.
The research was conducted at Washington University and the Group Health Centre in Seattle, in the United States. Dr Eric Larson, the centre's director, said: "Everyone had expected the earliest signs of dementia would be subtle cognitive changes. We were surprised to find that physical changes can precede declines in thinking." He added that what is considered a brain disease may be intimately connected to physical fitness.
The study, which was reported in the Archives of Internal Medicine journal yesterday, looked at 2,288 people who were aged 65 and older, none of whom showed any signs of dementia.
The researchers contacted them every two years, assessing their physical and mental functioning. After six years, some 319 people in the group had developed dementia, including 221 with Alzheimer's disease, which is a type of dementia.
Previous studies have shown that people who exercise regularly are less likely to develop the condition, but the reasons why have not been clear. It has been thought that better cardiovascular fitness is beneficial to the brain and this new study supports this idea: that regular exercise may help stave off dementia by improving and maintaining physical conditioning.
"These results suggest that in ageing, there's a close link between the mind and body," said Dr Larson. "Physical and mental performance may go hand in hand, and anything you can do to improve one is likely to improve the other."
He said that if people noticed that they were starting to decline physically, it would be wise to take some exercise as it may not only help them to stop or slow this process but also reduce the risk of mental problems. Dr Larson said people who were paralysed or had other physical constraints could still stay mentally alert and cognitively fit.
Other studies have suggested that keeping busy with non-physical leisure activities and learning new things may also help delay the onset of dementia. Having a social support network of friends and family and maintaining a positive mood are also thought to help stave off the disease.
A spokeswoman for the support organisation Alzheimer Scotland said the research was "interesting", but added that as with many such studies it was difficult to separate out cause and effect.
From (thescotsman.scotsman.com)