2010-03-16

New Study Suggests Moderate Exercise May Increase Cognitive Function, Delay Alzheimer's Disease

Atria Senior Living provides resident programs that may reduce cognitive decline

The results of a recent Mayo Clinic Study on Aging suggest that adults who engage in moderate exercise during midlife or late life are less likely to suffer from mild cognitive impairment. The results were published in the January edition of the Archives of Neurology.

According to the study, moderate exercise during the midlife years was associated with a 39% reduction in developing mild cognitive impairment, while moderate late life exercise was associated with a 32% reduction in developing mild cognitive impairment. International Council on Active Aging CEO Colin Milner says that these results are the latest in a growing body of research that implies preventative measures can help keep the brain healthy and ward off Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

"This research represents another step toward recognizing the importance of physical activity as it relates to cognitive fitness," says Milner. "Maintaining cognitive abilities is among the top five issues that concern older adults. This study reinforces the fact that as you age, it is especially imperative to take preventative measures when it comes to your overall health."

Khristine Rogers, vice president of active aging for Atria Senior Living Group, one of the nation's largest assisted living and independent living owner-operators, says the importance of cognitive fitness is becoming an even bigger focus in senior living communities as research continues to identify links between lifestyle choices and cognitive function.

"We are learning more about the preventative measures people can take to slow the onset of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias," says Rogers. "The common theme seems to be that healthy lifestyle choices - namely exercise, diet and continued learning - can have an effect on keeping your brain healthy. At Atria, we incorporate these findings into our programming to encourage optimum wellness for our residents."

According to Rogers, Atria's Engage Your Brain® program in place at Atria Senior Living communities across the nation focuses on four program areas that research suggests may improve cognition and delay Alzheimer's: physical exercise, creative expression, socialization and cognitive exercise. Many communities augment the Engage Your Brain program by encouraging a brain-healthy diet high in leafy greens, whole grains, berries and foods rich in Omega-3 fats, all proven to support healthy brain function.

Depending on resident interest, the Engage Your Brain program takes shape in the form of a variety of classes and activities offered in Atria communities across the nation. Several options for moderate physical exercise as recommended in the Mayo Clinic study are offered at Sterling Glen of Roslyn, an Atria community in Roslyn, New York. Exercise opportunities include weekly tai chi and yoga classes, a walking club, a certified Arthritis Foundation exercise class and Conductorcise®, a workout created by Maestro David Dworkin set to classical music whereby participants vigorously "conduct" while also learning about composers and musical history.

The other components of Engage Your Brain - cognitive exercise, social engagement and creative expression - are supported in a variety of ways in Atria Senior Living communities across the nation. Although the Engage Your Brain opportunities may look different in each community, Rogers says the goal of the program - to keep residents' minds active and healthy -- is the common factor.

"We aim to make meaningful activities an option for all residents," added Rogers. "We want all Atria residents to have access to fun, fulfilling programs that encourage brain and total body wellness, and we will continue to use the latest research to guide our efforts."

To learn more about Atria Senior Living's Engage Your Brain program, please visit www.atriaseniorliving.com/news_story.aspx?id=30284. To learn more about the International Council on Active Aging, please visit www.icaa.cc.