Cycling could save you from Alzheimer’s disease
Michael Speakerman from Life Cycle 55+ explains why cycling is a great form of exercise to combat the on-set of Alzheimer’s.
Being over 60 years of age, taking up cycling could be one of the most important decisions you could make. Alzheimer’s disease has been found to affect anyone as young as 30 and currently affects more than 40,000 New Zealanders.
Cycling has shown to build new brain cells in the hippocampus - a region of the brain responsible for memory. It also improves blood flow and thus supply of oxygen to the brain which in turn stimulates brain activity and helps stave off Alzheimer’s.
So what is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s is a progressive and degenerative neurological condition caused by nerve cell death resulting in shrinkage of the brain (McCusker Alzheimer’s research foundation). The development of Alzheimer’s disease is a result of complex interactions among multiple factors, including:
- Genetic factors
- Environmental factors
- Lifestyle
- Age
- Coexisting diseases
Alzheimer’s disease is incurable, and whilst you may not be able to slow your ageing process nor change your genome, you could always turn to cycling.
“Regular cycling stimulates and improves your heart, lungs and circulation, reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease” (Better Health Victoria – State Government).
Alzheimer’s correlation to cardiovascular disease
There are a number of conditions known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, including:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
It’s important to point these out as these same conditions increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s due to their high correlation with a protein in the blood named amyloid beta. This protein is the same protein that accumulates in the brain, spurring the onset of Alzheimer’s and the degeneration of the brain.
Cycling just a few times a week will reduce your risk of diabetes whilst improving your blood pressure and cholesterol. By lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease you will in turn be reducing your chances of becoming another Alzheimer’s statistic.
But why cycling?
Not only is cycling a sociable, fun and inexpensive mode of transport, it can provide a vigorous workout that may be unattainable elsewhere. For those of us over 60 and most at risk of developing Alzheimer’s, it can be hard to find that level of rigorous activity without putting too much pressure on the body. Cycling is a low impact exercise and allows us to push ourselves harder without having to apply unwanted strain to our knees and hips. This rigorous cardio activity will not only result in a stronger, leaner body, but also will increase blood flow to a level that will allow the brain to stimulate synapse firing and cell regeneration - leading to a longer and happier life.
Related links:
Why cycling is a perfect form of exercise for over-60s