As people age, their normal cognitive and physical functions start to decline. Although an increase in the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis rises substantially in older people, one of the most common conditions in the elderly population is dementia. Indeed, the number of deaths from this disease increased by almost 70% from 2000 to 2010 (Fondell et al., 2018, p. 79). One of the most devastating examples of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which was found to be related to the APOE4 genotype (Fondell et al., 2018). The changes in the brain start to appear twenty years before the development of its symptoms (Fondell et al., 2018). Still, the research found that physical activity can prevent drastic changes in the human brain, even in people with this genotype (Fondell et al., 2018). The purpose of this paper is to discuss introducing sports to lower the negative influence of cognitive decline.
Physical activity is considered to be the cornerstone to the prevention of many illnesses, including dementia. Indeed, human and animal studies demonstrated the neuroprotective effect of moderate and strenuous exercise (Fondell et al., 2018). For example, twelve cohort studies showed that physically active middle-aged adults had almost 40% lower risk for dementia later in life (Fondell et al., 2018, p. 79). Furthermore, a ten-year Framingham study found an association between exercise and reduced likelihood of cognitive decline (Fondell et al., 2018). It helps prevent Alzheimer’s because a workout, combined with the proper nutrition, helps maintain muscle mass, improves tissue oxygenation, causes a release of neurotrophic factors, and increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin (Fondell et al., 2018). Overall, physical activity is essential for diminishing the negative effect of aging on the brain.
To summarize, dementia is a devastating condition for older adults who experience gradual cognitive decline. Although such diseases as Alzheimer’s can have a genetic predisposition, studies found that moderate to intense physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of dementia. The main reason for the neuroprotective effect of exercise is combinatory, altering multiple biochemical processes in the human body. Specifically, workouts improve tissue oxygenation, reduce blood sugar, and cause the release of neurotrophic factors. Therefore, moderate physical activity should be recommended for middle-aged and older adults to diminish the negative consequences of aging.
Reference
Fondell, E., Townsend, M. K., Unger, L. D., Okereke, O. I., Grodstein, F., Ascherio, A., & Willett, W. C. (2018). Physical activity across adulthood and subjective cognitive function in older men. European journal of epidemiology, 33(1), 79-87. Web.