Exercise and our Memory
This past February I blew out 62 candles (metaphorically speaking), and with each passing year I get a little more over reactive with forgetting wear I left my keys or some other simple thing. While simple memory lapse is not a reason to panic, the thought of it cannot help but have me thinking about aging related health issues, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. As much as none of us want to believe we will end up with these outcomes, the reality is a large percentage of society will suffer one if not both.
Sorry to sound bleak or to be an alarmist, but currently the number of reported dementia cases is 514,000 and is projected to double by 2060. The current number of Alzheimer's is around 4.5 million and is expected to grow to 13 million by the year 2050. Those are real and substantial numbers.
Without a doubt, both dementia and Alzheimer's are at the top of the research list, and we all hope there will be some successful drugs to combat them. While there has been some progress on the drug front, there have been promising findings on how to potentially prevent these life-changing illnesses. In multiple studies, it has been consistently found that three particular lifestyle activities give us the best chance against both illnesses. The first on being physical activity, with an emphasis on resistance training, the second is staying active socially and the third is maintaining a healthy lifestyle (diet and exercise).
So the hope is to find a cure for both dementia and Alzheimer's, but in the meantime, we have multiple science-based studies which give us hope. Exercise helps to creates adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which has been found to play a crucial role in fighting off both of these scary illnesses. I cut and pasted the definition of ATP:
“ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is the main energy-carrying molecule in cells. It's like the cell's "energy currency," providing readily available energy for various cellular processes. ATP is formed when energy from the breakdown of food molecules is captured and then used to power other reactions.”
Without going into the weeds, essentially ATP is multiplied when we workout and the benefits are far reaching, but for this purpose I am only focusing on dementia and Alzheimer's.
Having this understanding is a gamechanger for all of us.
HOWEVER
Sadly, only 23 percent of our country meet the minimum standards for aerobic and muscle strengthening required to increase ATP production. How can this be? We know the importance of exercise, yet three quarters of our country neglect it.
This article explains how the reduction in ATP plays a role in these diseases:
Personally, I am motivated by the many benefits of aerobic and muscle strengthening, and giving myself the best opportunity to prevent these tragic illnesses, is at the forefront of my motivation. As a trainer and running coach, I talk endlessly about the importance. I am hoping to play a small role in increasing the 23 percent. Help me spread the word!
Thanks for stopping in and I hope you feel empowered!
God Bless and have a great weekend!
Mike
