How to keep the brain big, even with Alzheimer’s

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People with Alzheimer’s might be able to protect their brain -- or their brain size at least -- by exercising their body.

A recent study of 121 people age 60 and older (about half of whom were in the early stages of the disease) found that, among those with early dementia, the less physically fit had four times more brain shrinkage, compared to healthy people their age, than their more athletically inclined counterparts. (Brain shrinkage is not good.) There was no connection between fitness levels and brain volume among those without dementia.

Want to know more? Here’s ...

* a USA Today story about the study.

* the abstract, in the journal Neurology.

* information from the Mayo Clinic about more obvious ways that exercise can help people with dementia.

* a blog, Ask Dutchy, that offers practical suggestions for helping people with dementia and others needing long-term care.

* some strength, flexibility and balance exercises for people with Alzheimer’s.

* and, of course, a link to the Alzheimer’s Assn., which offers news, a list of resources and a substantial listing of local support groups and other resources.

-- Tami Dennis

Photo: A CT scan of a normal human brain.