A Daily Walk is Surprisingly Good for Your Brain

Contributed by: Dennis Fortier, President, Medical Care Corporation
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We often cite research that correlates physical fitness with brain health. Surveys have shown, however, that many read the phrase "physical fitness" and conjure images of gym memberships and grueling workouts. Such a perspective may be a deterrent for those who assume that minimally intense workouts yield no benefits.

This post aims to dispel the notion that only an intense physical exercise is helpful.

Research published online yesterday in Neurology shows that a brief regular walk may meaningfully reduce the likelihood Alzheimer's disease. Specifically, the research showed a significant correlation between walking regularly and maintaining the volume of gray matter in the brain throughout later adulthood. More importntnly, walking regularly was negatively correlated with incidence of cognitive impairment.

This evidence is very consistent with other studies that have shown a daily walk of a mile or so can be part of a fantastic regimen for long-term health. In this regard, the Alzheimer's Association's tradition of holding "memory walks" to raise awareness about the disease is especially apropos.

Walk forth and be well.
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A better understanding and more awareness of Alzheimer's related issues can impact personal health decisions and generate significant impact across a population of aging individuals. Please use the share buttons below to spread this educational message as widely as possible.

Memory Walks are Good for the Soul

Contributed by: Dennis Fortier, President, Medical Care Corporation
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This is a re-run of a post from last August but the message is still relevant.

Each fall, the National Alzheimer's Association helps to coordinate hundreds of local Memory Walks in the nation's communities. These walks raise funds for ongoing research and support programs and do a great deal to raise awareness of the growing prevalence of Alzheimer's disease.

I encourage each and every reader of this blog to consider participating in a memory walk this year. Aside from the obvious benefits of participating in such a good cause, they are extremely inspiring events with many participants walking in the memory of a loved one. The atmosphere is always charged with emotion and touching tributes.

Also, because one of the biggest barriers to better care in this field is late detection of the problem, we really need to start lifting the stigma that prevents many people from seeking care when their symptoms are very subtle. These memory walks are fantastic vehicles for destroying that stigma. Nearly every person in the crowd will have cared for a loved one with the disease or lost a loved one to the disease. There are also a fair number of Alzheimer's patients who participate and advocate for greater visibility.

Overall, I am a strong supporter of the memory walk events and feel that they bring more than just important funds to this problem. They bring visibility and education to a growing number of citizens each year and I hope each of you will consider participating and contributing to one of these programs this year.

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A better understanding and more awareness of Alzheimer's related issues can impact personal health decisions and generate significant impact across a population of aging individuals. Please use the share buttons below to spread this educational message as widely as possible.