Alzheimer's patients who exercise have bigger brains: study
17.07.2008 20:01
Health
- Source: cbc.ca
Exercise may slow the atrophy of the brain brought on by Alzheimer's, suggests a new study. Researchers at the University of Kansas School of Medicine found that study participants who had mild Alzheimer's and who worked out regularly had larger brains that those who did not exercise regularly. They studied 121 people 60 and over, exposing them to fitness tests while measuring their white and grey brain matter and overall brain volume using MRI. Fifty-seven of the participants had early-stage Alzheimer's while the rest of the participants did not have dementia. "People with early Alzheimer's disease who were less physically fit had four times more brain shrinkage when compared to normal older adults than those who were more physically fit, suggesting less brain shrinkage related to the Alzheimer's disease process in those with higher fitness levels," said study author Jeffrey Burns, of the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City, in a release. A decreasing brain volume has been linked in previous research to poorer cognitive performance. Conversely, exercise has the opposite effect. "Higher fitness through increased physical activity has been associated with enhanced neuronal survival to brain insults, increased vascularization, and elevations of growth factors in areas important for memory," reads the study. The researchers believe that the onset of Alzheimer's may also reduce people's ability to work out, thereby reducing activity levels and leading to a lowered brain mass. Burns says that people with early-stage Alzheimer's might be able to preserve their cognitive function longer if they exercise. The study is published in July 15 issue of the journal Neurology. Story Tools: E-MAIL | PRINT | Text Size: SMLXL | REPORT TYPO | SEND YOUR FEEDBACKRelatedInternal LinksClue to Alzheimer's disease discovered, Harvard researchers reportBlood test for Parkinson's, Alzheimer's may soon be available in U.S.Health HeadlinesUnderactive region in brain linked to OCDBritish researchers at the University of Cambridge have found that an area of the brain that regulates habitual behaviour is under-activated in people with obsessive compulsive disorder and their close family members.U.S. FDA lifts safety advisory on tomatoesThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday eased its warning on tomatoes, saying it's safe to eat tomatoes again as the salmonella outbreak slows.Surgical technique boosts recovery after kidney donation Researchers at the U.S. Cleveland Clinic have developed a bellybutton surgery which allows for shorter and less painful kidney donations.Teen smokers realize too late they're hooked: studyTeen smokers often try to quit and seriously believe they can, only realizing they're hooked when it's too late, according to a new study by Universit de Montreal researchers. Canada among top countries for surviving some cancers: studyCanada consistently ranks near the top in a worldwide estimate of five-year survival rates for cancer patients, according to an international study that found huge variations from country to country and even within some nations' borders. Health FeaturesBIRTH CONTROLThird World woesMillions need help, advocates sayIN DEPTHRed, red wineHealth pros and consHEALTHLife spanLongevity secrets from around the worldVIDEOYour heartCan depression lead to heart disease? (3:29)HEALTH & FITNESSPeter HadzipetrosBreaking up's not that hard to doPeople who read this also read …
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