The Latest Medical News

A Summary of The Latest Medical News: **New Research Highlights the Power of Exercise Against Alzheimer’s** Recent findings from two major studies reveal hopeful news for people worried about Alzheimer’s disease: both low and moderate-high intensity exercise can help slow memory loss and cognitive decline in those at higher risk. **Study Shows Even Light Activity Can Make a Difference** A landmark clinical trial known as EXERT explored the effect of exercise in nearly 300 older adults already experiencing mild cognitive impairment. Participants were split into two groups: one performed moderate-high intensity aerobic training, while the other engaged in gentler activities like stretching, balance, and range-of-motion exercises. All participants exercised three to four times per week over a year under supervision. Surprisingly, both groups experienced stability in their cognitive function, rather than the further decline researchers had expected. These results indicate that consistent exercise—even when it’s low intensity—may help maintain memory and thinking skills in those at risk for Alzheimer’s[5]. **A Little Movement Goes a Long Way** Supporting these findings, a separate study from Johns Hopkins analyzed data from nearly 90,000 people and found that even five minutes per day of physical activity was associated with a reduced risk of dementia. In fact, those who exercised more had an even lower risk, clearly demonstrating that more movement adds greater protection against diseases like Alzheimer’s[1][4]. **Lifelong Activity Offers Lifelong Protection** Long-term research from University College London adds that people who remain active throughout life have a better chance of avoiding dementia—even when they show markers of the disease, such as amyloid buildup in the brain. Physical activity before age 50 was especially beneficial, with women showing a pronounced benefit in brain health[2][3]. **Why Exercise Matters for the Aging Brain** There is growing urgency to find effective, practical ways to prevent dementia, with over six million Americans currently living with the condition[4]. While age remains a key risk factor, these studies make it clear that lifestyle changes like staying physically active can play an important role in maintaining brain health. **Final Thoughts** Although more research is needed to fully understand how exercise protects the brain, these recent findings send a hopeful message: regular movement—no matter the intensity—can help slow down memory loss and support cognitive health in aging adults. If you or your loved ones are concerned about Alzheimer’s, incorporating even simple, regular activity into daily life may be a powerful way to defend against decline[5]. Help with your insurance? https://tally.so/r/n012P9