First: To defend yourself against dementia, whether it’s related to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or something else, kick butt. That is, do aerobic exercise (running, hyper-fast disco dancing, cycling, sweating on an elliptical trainer. More photos of suggested aerobic activities appear below). This advice keeps popping up again and again, such as in this LA Times article.
The article describes a multitude of research studies, all of which reported positive outcomes for staving off dementia whenever the study participants regularly engaged in aerobic exercise.
For example, read this quote:
In a third study, people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease who showed up for two-to-three tough aerobic conditioning classes per week for 16 weeks, experienced significant improvements in mental speed and attention, as measured by a standardized test of cognitive function. …
The results [of these aerobic exercise studies] may not only help patients with Alzheimer’s disease, but those with other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Lewy Body dementia.
Second: This Washington Post article, when discussing the expected increase in Alzheimer’s patients over the next decade or so, includes this juicy-but-incomplete tidbit:
Among other scientific developments reported this week, researchers have isolated a “common ancestor” among all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Lewy body.
“All are caused by misfolding proteins,” Carrillo explained to me. Two different “misfolded” proteins — amyloid beta and tau — are toxic to brain cells.
I am sad to report these proteins cannot be corrected with daily doses of a sturdy zinfandel.
What?
Excuse me?
Why give up after trying just a sturdy zinfandel? How about a robust pinot grigio? A smooth merlot? A sparkling prosecco? Come on, researchers! Kick some butt!
