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CLEVELAND — Regular exercise may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life, according to a study released Tuesday. The study examined the long-term exercise habits of
373 people, 126 with Alzheimer’s and 247 healthy individuals. Researchers found those who exercised regularly throughout life were less likely to have contracted the brain-deteriorating
disease than those who were inactive. “I would say each individual should engage in a regular exercise program,” said researcher Dr. Arthur Smith. Smith and Dr. Robert Friedland, both
neurologists, conducted the study. Healthy participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire detailing their exercise habits from ages 20 to 59. Spouses or other relatives who had close
long-term relationships with Alzheimer’s patients evaluated their exercise habits. An exercise score was developed by multiplying the number of hours an individual worked out per month by a
rating the doctors gave each sport based on its intensity. The higher a person’s score, the lower their chances were of developing Alzheimer’s, the researchers said. MORE TO READ