20 Things To Know About Alzheimer's Disease

Please Help Support Alzheimer's Research Today!

Your Alzheimer's donation will help billions live without it.

Alzheimer's facts

( brisk walking or jogging at least 30 minutes a day )

People who are genetically susceptible to developing Alzheimer’s disease may be able to reduce their risk with exercise, a study found.

Carriers of the Alzheimer’s gene APOE-4 who regularly exercised over a decade were five to 10 times less likely to have brain plaques linked to the disease than those with the gene who weren’t physically active, said John C. Morris, senior author of the study published today in Archives of Neurology. Between 15 and 20 percent of the general population carry the APOE-4 gene, Morris said. While the study shows that those who exercised had fewer amyloid plaques in the brain, the signature markers of the disease, more follow up is needed to see if exercise actually delayed or blocked symptoms, he said.

“It’s not proof that exercise is protective, but it’s a very strong association and it gives biologic credence that staying physically active may help us protect against Alzheimer’s disease,” said Morris, director of the Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and a professor of neurology at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, in a Jan. 6 telephone interview.

Alzheimer’s destroys brain cells, making it difficult for patients to think, remember and function. Markers of brain cell death include amyloid plaques and tangles, Morris said. That process can begin in the brain 10 to 20 years before symptoms occur. The patients need to be followed for years to determine if they actually become symptomatic, he said. Continue to read: bloomberg.com

TODAY'S PHOTO

Red wine may reduce breast cancer risk

Consumption of moderate amounts of red wine is associated with changes in serum hormones that could lead to a reduction in breast cancer risk, say researchers. Read more: nutraingredients.com

Беларусь ТВ