Average life expectancy is increasing all over the world, and with this, the importance of struggling with medical problems encountered in older ages is also increasing. One of these problems is Alzheimer's Disease. The most important known risk factor for the development of this disease is advanced age. In Alzheimer's Disease, which is a neurodegenerative disease, cognitive functions are impaired and daily living activities are affected. There is no definitive evidence yet that will stop the progression of this disease or prevent its development.
There is some data that combating vascular risk factors (such as diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity) can prevent the development of Alzheimer's Disease. Therefore, it is emphasized, although it is not certain, that the development of Alzheimer's can be prevented through nutrition and lifestyle changes, which have an important place in this fight.
Dietary antioxidants, B vitamins, polyphenols, polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as omega-3 fatty acids) and fish. Although there are epidemiological studies showing that increasing vegetable consumption will reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease, there is no proven data from randomized controlled studies yet.
The effect of nutrition on cognitive functions
Traditional Mediterranean. There is strong data that feeding a type of diet reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity and mortality, but there is not enough evidence on the effect of this type of nutritional modification on cognitive functions. Oleic acid, polyphenols, vitamins A, B, C, D and E, omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids, minerals (such as iron, iodine, zinc) and amino acids reduce oxidative stress in neurons, reduce neuroinflammation and apoptosis, and therefore promote a healthy brain. It is emphasized that they cause the formation of In addition, there is evidence that nutritional content can affect neurons in the acute and chronic periods.
Although there are not enough and strong studies examining the relationship between nutrition and the risk of Alzheimer's Disease, some studies have shown positive results. For example, in one study, a diet rich in vitamins C and E was associated with Alzheimer's disease. It has been shown to reduce the risk of urination. However, it is recommended to take vitamin supplements, especially through natural means.
Lifestyle changes recommendations emphasized for healthy aging of neurons are also emphasized for Alzheimer's Disease. The most important among these are: Reducing the consumption of saturated and trans fats, increasing the consumption of vegetables and fruits, increasing the consumption of vitamin E from natural nutrients, increasing the intake of vitamin B12, avoiding vitamin complexes containing heavy metals such as iron and copper if multi-vitamins are used, avoiding the use of products and medications containing aluminum and is to increase aerobic exercise.
Alzheimer's Disease and Exercise
Regular exercise in Alzheimer's patients, as in all individuals, improves the cardiovascular system and immune system. It also serves to increase muscle strength and endurance. It has also been shown that exercise reduces falls and related fractures in Alzheimer's patients, regardless of their stage. Regular exercise programs are also beneficial for some of the symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease.
Medical studies have shown that depression and behavioral problems are less common in Alzheimer's patients who exercise, and there is an improvement in memory and social skills.
Here. The important thing is that the exercise to be done should be appropriate for the period of the disease. For this reason, a personalized exercise program must be organized by consulting a specialist doctor.
Recommended exercise program:
Exercise in Alzheimer's disease improves flexibility in the patient. It should increase strength, endurance and balance. An example exercise program might have the following stages:
Warm-up with 5-minute light stretching exercises
20-minute aerobic exercise (walking or exercise bike)
p>Strengthening exercises
Cooling down with stretching exercises for 10 minutes
The patient should do three exercises a week. It is recommended to continue this exercise program for four days.
Before starting the exercise program:
The patient You should consult your doctor and undergo a medical check-up. Health problems such as joint rheumatism and high blood pressure may cause some restrictions in terms of safe exercise.
In order to create an exercise program suitable for the person, a physical therapy and rehabilitation specialist evaluates the situation and advises the patient. A properly supervised exercise program should be created. p>
Each activity should be fully demonstrated to the patient and the patient should be asked to follow it one-on-one.
Activities should be diversified and made interesting so that the patient does not get bored. is recommended.
Exercise types:
If the patient has a sport that he likes to do in his life, he can be encouraged to continue doing it as much as possible. Apart from this, the most suitable exercise suggestions are:
Walking: It is the cheapest exercise that does not require any equipment and can be done almost anywhere. It is also suitable for the need to move around, which is especially common in Alzheimer's patients. It must be done in a safe environment and under supervision.
Bicycle: If the patient does not have a knee or hip problem and is deemed appropriate by the doctor, an exercise bike can be used.
Strengthening exercises: Small weight exercises based on the principle of low weight and many repetitions can be done in the gym or at home under supervision.
Following up the exercise:
It is important to monitor the progress of an Alzheimer's patient through exercise. Therefore, information such as the patient's walking distance, exercise duration, weight lifted and number of repetitions should be recorded. For example, increasing the distance a person walks in 5 minutes is an indicator that the patient's aerobic capacity, that is, endurance, has improved.
Safety precautions:
For exercises performed outdoors. A safe environment must be created and the patient must be controlled.
The patient must be under supervision while working with weights.
The patient must wear appropriate thick shoes in case he/she drops the weights.
If the patient can talk while exercising, he is considered to be in an aerobically comfortable state. If the patient begins to have difficulty talking while exercising, it is understood that he/she needs to slow down a little.
For outdoor activities, it is recommended to provide sunscreen and appropriate clothing, and to wear a hat.
The patient should be ensured to drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise.
If the patient feels tired and weak or has any pain, the activity should be stopped and A doctor should be consulted.
It should not be forgotten that exercise in Alzheimer's patients has positive effects on many systems, as well as on the results of the disease. However, in order to achieve these effects, an exercise program planned with the doctor's recommendation and specific to the patient must be made a part of life.
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