Keeping fighting fit as people approach old age may help them stave off the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease, a new study has found. Conversely being in poor physical shape is an open invitation to early declines in mental ability.
The study, foodconsumer.org on May 24 reported from the issue of "Archives of Internal Medicine," suggests that Alzheimer's disease actually can be predicted doing a test on how a person walks his strength of grip and his standing balance.
The researchers of the study from Group Health Co-operative and the University of Washington said physical exercise can help avoid or delay the onset of dementia and or Alzheimer's later in life.
The study tracked 2,288 Group Health members aged 65 and older for a period of six years. None of the participants had any signs of dementia or Alzheimer's disease at the start of the study.
The researchers kept in touch with the participants once in every two years. Physical and mental functions of the subjects were assessed at these times.
At the end of six years, 319 participants had developed dementia. These included 221 with Alzheimer's disease.
The researchers found that the participants who were in superior physical shape at the beginning of the study were three times less likely to develop dementia than were those whose physical condition was below par.
Lead researcher and Director of Group Health Center for Health Studies MD, MPH, Eric B. Larson said "Everyone had expected the earliest signs of dementia would be subtle cognitive changes." and added "We were surprised to find that physical changes can precede declines in thinking."
He said that what was generally accepted to be a degenerative brain disease seems to be directly linked with the physical fitness of people as they age.
Physical fitness was assessed through several standard tests like a timed, 10-foot walk, a "chair-stand test," a standing balance assessment; and a measurement of grip strength in the dominant hand of the participants. The chair stand test timed the subjects as they got up from a seated position five times.
The initial symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer's as evidenced in the study were problems with walking and balance. In older people, a weak handgrip could be a sign of advanced disease.
However, the best part of the study seemed to be the fact that getting into top shape could actually halt dementia in its stride.
"If you notice physical function declining, it's arguably a good idea to rehab yourself or have a strong physical exercise programme early on," Larson said, adding "I'm very excited about this. Something as simple as regular walking may lessen the rate of dementia."
Dr Gary Kennedy, a geriatric psychiatrist and chairman of the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City, agreed with this statement and said "Even the mildest degree of physical disability is going to predict a heightened risk for Alzheimer's."
A previous study published by the same researchers found that when people exercised regularly, they were less likely to develop dementia.
Larson said "These results suggest that in aging, there's a close link between the mind and body."
"Physical and mental performance may go hand in hand, and anything you can do to improve one is likely to improve the other," he added.
He said that people with severe physical disabilities like paralysis could also stave off dementia.
Dementia is a condition resulting from cognitive decline that seriously affects a person's ability to carry out daily activities.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia among older people. It usually starts after 60 years of age and the risk increases as people age.
People afflicted with Alzheimer's disease may have trouble remembering recent events, activities, or the names of familiar people or things.
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