Poor Physical Performance May Increase Risk of Alzheimers

Exercise Important in Fighting Dementia

A new study finds that the earliest indications of developing Alzheimer's disease may be physical and not mental. A study in the May 22 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. The study found that participants in the study who had lower physical performance scores also had lower cognitive scores. The study was conducted over a period of years from 1996 through 2003 with participants being evaluated every other year for the six years of the study. The study used four established tests of physical function: a timed, 10-foot walk; a chair-stand test, timing participants as they stood from a seated position five times; a standing balance assessment; and a measurement of grip strength in the dominant hand.

Researchers identified those with gait slowing, poor balance and poor hand grip were more likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

The authors also suggested that the study shows a relationship between physical activity and decreased risk of developing dementia. It shows the importance of exercise as a means of improving and maintaining physical and mental health.

Seniors should be encouraged to maintain an active lifestyle with exercise. There are many exercise programs that seniors can easily begin and continue as they age. Walking, swimming and bike riding are all excellent exercises that can help keep the body healthy. Exercise improves heart and lung function and can help keep bones strong. Other activities such as golf, tennis and even dancing (square dancing, ballroom dance) if done on a regalia basis can improve physical strength.

Sources: Archives of Internal MedicineMay 22, 2006.