The early signs of dementia (including Alzehimer's) have long been thought to be such things as a failing memory and other signals that the brain is not functioning as well as it used to.
But now, an intriguing new study reported in the Archives of Internal Medicine, finds that it's a decline in physical capabilities that can signal the onset of later dementia, sometimes by as much as six years. These bodily declines include slowing of one's gait, reduced strength in handgrip and poor balance.
But what good is knowing you are going to develop dementia if you can't do anything about it? Turns out, that there is something you can do. Previous studies show that even moderate exercise can delay the onset of dementia for many older adults. And it's the frailest of these folks that seem to benefit the most. Walking, even for 15 minutes a day, has found to be helpful.
So has exercising the mind, with such activities as crossword puzzles, reading and playing bridge.
More evidence that the mind and body are inextricably linked. How could we have ever thought otherwise?
Comments