The search for a formula for prevent el cognitive impairment and the Alzheimer’s It is one of the hooks that science has been following for some time.
On that path and with all the intrigues that remain to be revealed, the doctor David Pérez Martínez –Spanish neurologist and specialist in Alzheimer’s, memory and cognitive impairment– highlights the immense value of physical exercise.
“If I had to choose just one element to prevent dementiaalthough the important thing is to follow a multimodal strategy, it would be the encourage physical exercise and avoid a sedentary lifestyle“he stated Perez Martinezas published in a note from El Tiempo.
The reason is that the physical activity favors the neurogénesisespecially in the hippocampuskey region for memory and learning. “It also stimulates the formation of new blood vessels and improve the supply of oxygen y nutrients to the brainadds the neurologist.
The next benefit is that it contributes to the brain plasticity and has anti-inflammatory effects. “It seems to have a beneficial effect on synaptic plasticity,” explains the neurologistwho adds that movement regulates molecules associated with cognitive impairment.
The excellent news is that to obtain these advantages it is not necessary to think about routines that are impossible to comply with or that are suitable for only a few.
It also points out that, although the WHO recommends 10,000 steps dailyfrom the 3.000 positive effects are already observed. Intensity, another point to take into account. The higher the pace, the better the benefits will be.
But, on the other hand, Perez Martinez Include in the recommended routines doing daily household activities, such as sweeping, clearing the table or cleaning. Also the habit of climbing stairs instead of using the elevator.
“If we add to this healthy diet, cognitive training and control of vascular risk factors the probabilities of better aging will be greater,” he adds.
Early prevention
But the advice of Perez Martinez They don’t end there. In the same note, he indicated that the protection against cognitive impairment It should start from childhood.
For the specialist, staff of the Luz Hospital of Madridemotional education, solid bonds, the incentive to generate a solid social life and the absence of substance use influence future brain health.
Other measures that will have an impact over the years: avoid being overweight, not smoking, limit alcohol consumption and stimulate cognitive activity.
“Even at advanced ages or in people already diagnosed, these measures can improve the prognosis,” highlights Pérez Martínez.
The origin of dementia
At the same time, Perez Martinez warns that many mechanisms of the dementia.
“It seems that elements such as the proteins that accumulate in the brain, the genetic factors, but we are still missing many pieces of the puzzle,” he says.
Today, on the other hand, the incorporation of biomarkers in blood allows you to achieve a diagnosis with an accuracy greater than 95%.
