PRESERVING COGNITIVE FUNCTION
As people age their bodies physically move slower and their minds may too. While keeping the mind active with puzzles and activities alike, a great contributor to maintaining cognitive function in older adults is to engage in a consistent exercise routine. Being physically active for at least 5 hours a week during midlife years decreases cognitive decline in older adults (Chang et al., 2010). Adults who engage in consistent physical activity have a higher speed of cognitive processing, memory, and executive function (planning, problem-solving, self-control, and organization) than those who do not exercise during their midlife years. (Chang et al., 2010).
In the United States, there are about 5.8 million people that suffer from Alzheimer's disease, and of that 5.6 million of them are 65 years old or older (CDC 2019). It is predicted that Alzheimer's rates will increase by 14 million by the year 2060 (CDC 2019). Due to this alarming data, it is important for each adult to participate in preventative care for this disease. One way to reduce the risk of developing it is through being physically active.
Physical activity is associated with the reduction of the development of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Studies show that adults who engage in regular physical activity have 41% less of a risk to develop Alzheimer's in the future compared to those who participate in low or no physical activity (Weih et al., 2010). Therefore, physical activity can serve as a preventative method for Alzheimer's disease. An average of several walks per week may be used as a drug-free method to prevent AD. (Weih et al., 2010).
references
Minorities and women are at a greater risk for alzheimer's disease. (2019, August 20). Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/Alz-Greater- Risk.html#:~:text=Current%20estimates%20are%20that%20about,65%20with%
20younger%2Donset%20Alzheimer%27s
​
Chang, Jonsson, P. V., Snaedal, J., Bjornsson, S., Saczynski, J. S., Aspelund, T.,
Eiriksdottir, G., Jonsdottir, M. K., Lopez, O. L., Harris, T. B., Gudnason, V., &
Launer, L. J. (2010). The effect of midlife physical activity on cognitive function among older adults: ages—reykjavik study. The Journals of Gerontology, 65A(12), 1369–1374). https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glq152
​
Weih, Degirmenci, Ümüt, Kreil, S., & Kornhuber, J. (2010). Physical activity and Alzheimer's disease. GeroPsych, 23(1), 17–20). https://doi.org/10.1024/1662- 9647/a000005