Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and the ability to think and, over time, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks, according to the National Institute on Aging, part of the Institutes US National Health.
In addition, Medline Plus, the US National Library of Medicine, explained that the disease begins slowly and Affected individuals may have difficulty remembering things that have happened recently or the names of people they know.
Over time, Alzheimer’s symptoms worsen, as people may not recognize family members and may have difficulty speaking, reading, or writing. Also, they may forget how to brush their teeth or comb their hair.
Later, they may become anxious or aggressive or wander away from home and eventually need total care.
However, it is important to point out that no treatment can stop the disease, But according to the Mayo Clinic, a nonprofit organization dedicated to clinical practice, education and research, you can modify a number of lifestyle risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, such as exercising at regular way. The Terra portal cited a study from the “scientific journal Jama Neurology, which found that walking between 3,800 and 9,800 steps a day helps reduce the risk of dementia.”
In fact, the study cited by the portal indicates that “the results showed that people from between 40 and 79 years old who took 9,826 steps a day had a 50% reduced risk of developing dementia over the next seven years, But a shorter walk also showed benefits: those who walked approximately 3,800 steps reduced their risk of dementia by 25%.”
For this reason, according to the Mayo Clinic, the usual walk becomes an exercise that improves physical condition, good posture and determined movements must be adopted and the posture must be:
- Head high. Look forward, not down.
- The neck, back, and shoulders should be relaxed, not lifted or tense.
- The arms should swing freely, with a slight bend in the elbows.
- Lightly tighten your stomach muscles, keeping your back straight, not arched forward or backward.
- Walk in a fluid way, supporting the heel and then the fingers.
Additionally, walking could not only prevent the risk of dementia, but also have other benefits such as:
- Maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat.
- Prevent or control various conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.
- Improve cardiovascular fitness.
- Strengthen bones and muscles.
- Improve muscular endurance.
- Increase energy levels.
- Improve mood, cognition, memory and sleep.
- Improve balance and coordination.
- Strengthen the immune system.
- Reduce stress and tension.
“You can start with five minutes a day the first week and then increase the time five minutes each week, until you reach at least 30 minutes a day, and then For even more health benefits, try to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.” the non-profit organization said.
In any case, the information given above is in no way a substitute for medical advice and, therefore, the first thing to do is consult a health expert so that he or she can guide the process and indicate what is most appropriate for you. each person.