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How Activity Affects Alzheimer’s in the Orlando, Florida Area

There was an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal on February 25, 2021 titled “Can an Active Lifestyle Help Ward Off Alzheimer’s?” by Han Yu. In the article, Yu brings up concerns about children with the closures of schools, gyms, and libraries due to COVID-19. The author discusses how enrichment in these areas is necessary for cognitive capacity. He goes on to state that older adults need the same type of stimulation to maintain cognitive capacity and avoid neurodegeneration. The same rules that apply to stimulating the minds of children and young adults apply to the elderly.

Benefits of an Active Lifestyle

According to Yu, research shows that mental, physical, and social stimulation can help ward off Alzheimer’s. If you are the caregiver of a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s during COVID-19, it is important to keep them as active as possible inside your house. You can also help by taking them for walks. You can mentally stimulate someone you are the caregiver for by playing cards with them, giving them a book to read, or doing a puzzle with them. 

The article contained this interesting fact: cognitive researchers favor aerobic exercise such as jogging or cycling over an anaerobic exercise such as weightlifting. According to the article, aerobic exercise gets the heart pumping, increases blood flow to the brain, boosts oxygen and nutrition supply, and protects neurons from oxidative stress and fights inflammation.

Importance of Staying Stimulated

According to the article, physically active adults were 40 percent less likely to get Alzheimer’s disease. It also emphasized the importance of socializing. Joining a club or religious organization or doing volunteer work provides social support, which reduces stress. This may in turn enhance cognitive functioning. A bigger social network and more social activity correlates to less cognitive decline and lower risk of dementia. 

Based on the information in this article, you should be motivated to become active. You should take walks, jog, or cycle. You should make a social network for yourself. You can use Facebook, virtual Mass, and Zoom meetings if you are not going to church, volunteering, or going to club activities during COVID-19. Do the best you can in COVID-19 times to stay stimulated and active while following CDC guidelines for safety. You can play cards, do a puzzle, or read a book. Make the most out of life, warding off dementia and Alzheimer’s at the same time.  

If you have questions regarding an Elder Law matter, you may call Ann Marie Giordano Gilden at Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A. at 407-732-7620 and set an initial consultation. 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not form an attorney client privilege.