Regular Exercise May Help Fend Off Alzheimer’s, Study Finds

Regular exercise may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life, according to a study released Tuesday.

The study examined the long-term exercise habits of 373 people, 126 with Alzheimer’s and 247 healthy individuals. Researchers found those who exercised regularly throughout life were less likely to have contracted the brain-deteriorating disease than those who were inactive.

“I would say each individual should engage in a regular exercise program,” said researcher Dr. Arthur Smith.

Smith and Dr. Robert Friedland, both neurologists, conducted the study.

Healthy participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire detailing their exercise habits from ages 20 to 59. Spouses or other relatives who had close long-term relationships with Alzheimer’s patients evaluated their exercise habits.

An exercise score was developed by multiplying the number of hours an individual worked out per month by a rating the doctors gave each sport based on its intensity. The higher a person’s score, the lower their chances were of developing Alzheimer’s, the researchers said.