Regular exercise 'can help to fight against Alzheimer's disease'

A study of sufferers in the first stages of Alzheimer's found that those who are physically fit have larger brains than those who have done little exercise.

The extra brain cells may delay the onset of symptoms of dementia  -  such as confusion and forgetfulness  -  and let people live independently for longer.

Fit for life: Regular exercise can protect against Alzheimer's disease, according to a study

The findings follow previous studies which have shown the benefits of regular exercise on mental health.

Study leader Dr Jeffrey Burns, of the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City, said: 'People with early Alzheimer's may be able to preserve their brain function for longer by exercising regularly and potentially reducing the amount of brain volume lost.

'Evidence shows that decreasing brain volume is tied to poorer cognitive performance, so preserving more brain volume may translate into better cognitive performance.'

The study, reported today in the journal Neurology, looked at 121 volunteers aged 60 and over, including 57 in the early stages of Alzheimer's.

They found that unfit people with early Alzheimer's disease had four times more brain shrinkage than people with the condition who were physically fit.

The results remained the same regardless of age, gender, severity of dementia, physical activity and frailty, Dr Burns said.

And there was no link between fitness levels and brain changes in people without dementia.

'This is one of the first studies to explore the relationship between cardio-respiratory fitness and Alzheimer's disease,' he added.

Exercise improves brain function by increasing the flow of blood to the head. Poor blood flow can impair memory and hasten symptoms of dementia.