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Exercise For Alzheimer's Disease


    Exercise may help ward off alzheimer's disease. Many studies have shown that a lack of exercise significantly increases the risk of having alzheimer's disease [71-72]. On the other hand, those who regularly engage in physical exercise have a markedly reduced risk of having alzheimer's disease[73-74]. Why does exercise reduce risk? No one knows for certain, but I suspect that exercise increases blood flow to the brain, and that the increased brain blood flow helps prevent alzheimer's disease.
    Exercise not only wards off alzheimer's disease, but it also helps those who already have the disease. Several studies have shown the regular physical activity increases Mini Mental State Exam scores in alzheimer patients [75-76]. Regular physical exercise also reduces agitation and aggression in alzheimer patients [77]. Exercise also helps patients communicate better [78].