Alzheimer’s and Brain Health Awareness

Alzheimer’s and Brain Health Awareness

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month and we at Lifepro wanted to help contribute to bringing some awareness to the estimated 50 million people around the globe that are living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.


Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease and is the most common form of dementia affecting the area of the brain that controls thought, language and memory. It is a progressive disease that can begin with mild memory loss and lead to more severe symptoms such as losing the ability to carry on conversation, being disoriented, mood swings and often not recognizing loved ones or their surroundings. It can really affect one’s ability to perform day to day tasks and ability to care for themselves. Sadly, once diagnosed, life expectancy following diagnosis is typically three to nine years.

Scientists do not yet fully understand any root cause of Alzheimer’s disease. Instead of being a single cause, it is believed that several factors can affect each person in different ways. It is thought to be caused by the abnormal build-up of proteins in and around brain cells. One of the proteins is called amyloid, deposits of which form plaques around brain cells. The other protein is called tau, deposits of which form tangles within brain cells.

According to the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation, regular physical exercise can help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by as much as 50 percent. Exercise can also slow progression of symptoms and it can help to protect against this and other forms of dementia by stimulating the brain’s ability to maintain old connections as well as make new ones.

Activities that include balance and coordination exercises are important as we age to reduce risk of falling and suffering head injuries. Strength training exercises that include weights or resistance help to maintain muscle mass and bone density while also contributing to preserving brain health. If you are inactive now, start slow, keep things simple and remember that any activity will have a positive effect on your overall health in the long run. A light daily walk or some light squats with hand weights in front of the TV can be a starting point to build on. Many of our Lifepro Members that are dealing with Alzheimer’s Disease or other types of dementia are already enjoying the benefits of being active. We have a few tools that can offer some great ways to begin that active lifestyle or help maintain the activities you are already involved in.

Vibration Plates – Help to improve balance and stability while offering the ability to gain strength and stamina. These low impact machines offer multiple benefits often in less time with less effort on your part. Our Lifepro Waver is a popular and affordable choice offering simple operation, includes a remote control and access to our Membership site with “how to” videos and more.

 


Cardio Equipment:

FlexStride Pedal Exerciser – If you are lacking mobility, this compact elliptical is cleverly designed for seated use and will help you to really get things moving! It’s portable so you can use it under a desk, seated on the sofa, or you can take it with you to the office for use throughout your day.

 

FlexStride Pedal Exerciser

We want you to live life to your full potential. Our simple, affordable health solutions can help get started and we’ll help keep you motivated with the support of our team and other Lifepro members in our exclusive VIP Members Community.

Author

Joel Gottehrer

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