The research found that people in the bottom 10 percent of daily physical activity were more than twice as likely (2.3 times) to develop Alzheimer’s disease as people in the top 10 percent of daily activity.
By Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer's Reading Room
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Dotty at 89
She looks better now
doesn't she? |
I read about the research below with great interest. Great interest for a simple reason. The first decision I ever made in regards to my mother and her condition was to take her into the gym. Into the gym for the first time in her life at the age of 87.
I used the words "in regards to my mother and her condition" because I made that decision before she was diagnosed with probable Alzheimer's disease. I made that decision while I was doing an enormous amount of research, up sometimes until 3 AM.
I made the decision based on the positive affects that exercise has on the brain even in people that are "old". There was very little research on Alzheimer's and exercise at the time, some, but not much.
I also made the decision to go into the gym because I already understood that I was going to need an enormous amount of energy to care for my mother, and I needed a way to reduce the stress that comes along with caregiving.
At the time my mother was getting up in the AM at 1:30 and 4:30. Every night. She would get up, open the door, take a few steps, look around, and then come back. Usually at 1:30 she would get something to eat. This also helps explain why I was up late doing research. I figured, I am getting up anyway.
I never stopped my mother, or tried to deter her from walking out the door. I did pay attention though, just in case she decided to take off. I can't tell you why I never stopped her, or lectured her. Good instincts I guess.
It took a few years, three I think, before I cured her of that problem. She no longer gets up in the middle of the night. Although, I suspect she might after I write these words. I am supertitious about what I say. Which also explain why in my business career I was very tight lipped.
