Posted on 02/02/2025 11:52:18 AM PST by ConservativeMind
In a recent study, Booth and Kerr found—for the first time—that just 10 days of physical inactivity leads to both insulin resistance and an increase in reactive oxygen species production in the hippocampus, the region of the brain involved in memory and learning.
They also found just 10 days of muscle disuse elevated markers for specific proteins in the brain that are strongly associated with Alzheimer's disease, an uncurable, irreversible, neurodegenerative disease that has become the fifth leading cause of death in older adults.
The findings confirm what many have anecdotally speculated: staying physically active isn't just good for your physical health, it also can preserve your brain health—potentially preventing or delaying the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
"While the average lifespan of Americans has improved, the average health span—the number of disease-free years lived—tends to decline after age 65. Physical inactivity has already been linked to insulin resistance in the body, and we are starting to learn more about the connection between muscle disuse and insulin resistance in the brain."
And, luckily, it doesn't take huge steps to make a difference.
Booth said that decades of previous research have shown that people who show the greatest improvements in their health are those who switch from getting no exercise to getting periodic exercise—even more improvement than those who switch from periodic exercise to regular exercise—so the most important step is to simply start.
"Research in Alzheimer's development is starting to show that a lot of the neurological changes for Alzheimer's disease are occurring when people are in their 40s and 50s, even if the official diagnosis of Alzheimer's often comes at or after age 65," Booth said. "So, if you can develop good habits in terms of exercise and lifestyle earlier in your life, your brain will thank you later on."
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
Switching to some exercise can help undo some of that concern.
100% true.
Have seen this with my own friends and relatives.
and yet.. the smartest people are almost always the least athletic and most out of shape (think typical dork)
So.. something doesn’t add up here
I recall Rush Limbaugh saying how much he hated to exercise.
Rush was brilliant and had powerful charisma.
Have seen this with my former president.
And drink beetroot juice before and after the gym work out
I’m doomed- been battling brain fog for 30 years now- very weak, get exhausted easily- so as a result exercise has come to a screeching halt unfortunately- even light exercise wears me out quickly- not sure why- guess dementia isn’t far away-
After 30 plus days at the local gym and eating better I am proud to say I’ve lost a couple of pounds and feel better overall. The increase in activity help me get through my days easier with less fatigue. It may not be for everyone but I’ll stay on this path a while longer
caution of beet juice if a person has bowel issues- it will cause massive explosive diarrhea that doesn’t quit until stop taking it-
Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
Exercise bike, 20 or 30 minutes, ten-pound barbells. Takes about 90 minutes.
Not particularly strenuous but decided a few years ago needed to do something after retiring. It runs the heart rate up and generates a sweat in a 68-degree basement.
Family dies of old age (over 90) so figure I have about 20 years left on this rock. Just hope to check out before they put the diapers on me *grin*.
Can you just walk a few blocks every morning?
I feel for you. I experienced the same thing for about the last decade. It turns out meds I was one were not working for me, but against me and put my brain chemistry out of balance.
Fortunately, I found a doctor who made changes to my meds. I think I know how Rip Van Winkle felt when he finally woke up.
I got rid of my brain fog. She went on vacation without me. 😁
it woudl be awesome to wake up with a boatload of energy, and all day long stamina- but it’s not in the will of God i guess- as i have tried and tried to fidn the cause- lots of medical workups tryign to find out what is causign it-
Sorry for the late response-
how far is a block? When i quit walking because of extreme exhaustion, usually a day or 2 later if i can’t coniue for a few days, the exhaustion would hit me, something called ‘post exertional malaise’ - i was walking approx 1/2 mile maybe a bit less-
Bkmk
Oh I might think just a morning daily go around but not to the point of exhaustion.
Yeah I’m gonna have to start something, like shkrtmwalk,or stair climbing (we have a cellar), it’s ,ike a circle where th3 wors y8ou feel, th3 worse you do, the worse you get. Gotta get active with something that doesn’t exhaust me for sure
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.