Regular physical activity between the ages of 45 and 65 can prevent the progression of degenerative brain processes characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. This conclusion was reached by Spanish scientists after studying the health characteristics of 337 residents of Catalonia genetically predisposed to developing the disease, ScienceDaily reports.
The study reportedly followed the subjects for four years, recording changes in physical activity and assessing the health of their brain structures using neuroimaging tests. It was found that volunteers who began exercising more actively and approached WHO standards (at least 150-300 minutes of moderate exercise or 75-150 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly) accumulated less beta-amyloid protein, which damages nerve cells and triggers disease. Increasing the intensity of exercise led to a stronger protective effect.
Moreover, physically active respondents had greater thickness in the cortical areas of the brain, which are particularly vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease. A slight increase in physical activity had a positive effect on the participants' health, even if they did not fully meet the WHO recommended levels.
“Even those who did less physical activity than recommended had greater cortical thickness than sedentary individuals, suggesting that any amount of exercise, no matter how minimal, benefits health,” explains Müge Akinci, a doctoral student at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) and the Barcelona Brain Research Centre (BBRC).
The study's authors emphasize the importance of gradually increasing physical activity rather than striving to reach predetermined standards. They argue that regular exercise is becoming an important tool for preventing neurodegeneration and improving quality of life.
Previously, scientists discovered a link between weight loss methods and depression. They found that weight loss methods can significantly impact not only a person's physical but also mental health. They found that using drastic and unsafe weight loss methods increases the risk of developing depressive disorders.