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A new study reports... Regular Walking May Significantly Cut Risk of Vascular Dementia
Publishing their findings in the journal Neurology, the research team wrote that while their study did not prove a causal link, it was the first research to show a positive association between regular moderate activity and reduction in risk for vascular dementia. Their findings support other research studies that have shown better cognitive performance in more active, older adults. Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer's disease. The condition is not a single disease but, rather, relates to various effects from chronic reduced blood flow in the brain, eventually resulting in dementia. A common problem of aging is the progressive change in blood vessels (vasculature). Cholesterol and other substances often accumulate in the blood-vessel walls, resulting in thickening and hardening and, thus, restricting blood flow to various regions of the brain. When this occurs suddenly, the result is a stroke, but vascular brain damage may also develop over time, from chronic lack of oxygen. By definition, vascular dementia is characterized by a slow but progressive worsening of memory and other cognitive functions. The researchers suggested that moderate exercise's cognitive benefits could be multifaceted. Improved cerebral blood flow and the reduction in cortisol and other "brain-toxic" stress hormones have many protective benefits. Exercise may also be a marker for a healthy lifestyle or even protect the brain, they suggested, simply through the mental and social stimulation of an active lifestyle. Story Source:
University Hospital S. Orsola
Malpighi Bologna, Italy Journal Reference:
Neurology, online:
www.neurology.org
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