Exercise has been known to ward off many physical ailments including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and Alzheimer’s disease. Exercising to get your heart rate up several times a week for at least 30 minutes each time can improve memory, reasoning, judgment and thinking skills. These are important factors for people who have a high risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Exercise may not be able to completed ward of Alzheimer’s disease, but it can delay the start and make the disease progress much slower than it would have without exercising. Walking, swimming, chair aerobics and biking are all great exercises that people can do at any age.
Walking
One of the simplest exercises and available to you at almost every moment of your day, walking is a great way to get a good workout in. To increase your benefits, try to walk for at least 30 minutes at a time and at a pace that brings your heart rate up to 80% of your maximum. Ask your doctor to help you figure out the best heart rate range for you. Another good way is to try to talk while you are exercising, you should be able to hold a conversation with just a little bit of difficulty. You can walk inside on a treadmill during poor weather or outside at a park, some people also enjoy walking at local zoos, gardens or shopping centers.
Swimming
When you swim it is a great full body workout that has minimal impact on your joints. Swimmers can often exercise for longer periods of time because their joints do not become sore and their body temperature is maintained better in the water. There is no specific swimming stroke that needs to be used; just keep moving and your body will be burning calories. Take breaks as needed or switch to a slow backstroke to catch your breath. Swimming burns a lot of calories, so make sure you have a healthy protein snake available for you after you are done with your workout.
Chair Aerobics
If mobility is an issue for you, try chair aerobics. Most fitness centers offer a program for individuals who cannot stand for long periods of time. In chair aerobics, you still get your heart rate up by moving your arms and legs, but you remain sitting while you do the exercises. Most classes will incorporate some weights or flexible bands to increase the intensity and help build muscle as well.
Biking
Outdoor biking as well as using a biking machine is a great cardiovascular exercise. It is low impact on the joints and lots of fun for people of any age. You can bike with your spouse, children and grandchildren. Biking offers the ability to explore areas of your city or go on bike rides in new cities. Always make sure to wear a helmet and carry necessities with you such as water, snacks and a cell phone. Use bike trails and designated lanes whenever possible to avoid being near cars and other motor traffic issues.
Exercise is helpful for everyone to increase our thinking, and keep our brains sharp. But if you are at an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease, exercise can be essential in warding off the disease. Do a variety of physical exercises and eat healthy to keep your body at its peak and delay the start of Alzheimer’s disease. Talk to your doctor about other possibly ways you can decrease your risk level and slow the progress of the disease. Slowing down Alzheimer’s disease is all you can do right now since there is not a cure for it yet.
