Health, Aging & Wellness
Physical Activity and Motor Ability Associated with Better Cognition in Older Adults, even with Dementia
Encouraging evidence indicates that being more physically active is associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and a slower rate of cognitive decline in older adults. But it remains unclear exactly how physical activity lowers this risk for Alzheimer’sdisease. One theory is that physical activity is somehow preventing the formation of the damaging plaques and tangles that are the hallmark of Alzheimer’s. Alternatively, perhaps being more physically active may simply improve or maintain the ability to function in the face of accumulating brain damage from Alzheimer’s disease, a concept sometimes referred to as cognitive resilience. Rush University Study A recent study by NIA-funded researchers at Rush University aimed to test these two theories, finding an association between motor abilities and cognitive test performance, as well as a separate independent association between physical activity and cognitive performance. In both cases, better motor abilities or higher levels of physical activity were associated with better cognitive performance. The study was published Feb. 19 in Neurology . More than 450 older adults from the Rush Memory and Aging Project were recruited from retirement communities throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Participants underwent a series of cognitive, behavioral, and biomedical tests during their lives, and generously agreed to donate their brain and other tissues following their
The Aging Mastery Program® (AMP) classes Tuesdays, September 10 – November 19, 2019, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm (There will not be a class on Tues., Oct. 29)
• Navigating Longer Lives • Exercise and You • Sleep The Aging Mastery Program® (AMP) classes will explore: • Financial Fitness • Advance Planning • Healthy Relationships • Healthy Eating and Hydration
• Medication Management • Fall Prevention • Community Engagement
A comprehensive approach to aging well. The program combines classes with expert speakers, group discussion and goal setting to help you gain new skills to make small meaningful changes in your life. Registration is payable in advance for all 10 weeks of the program. Limited spots available: Sign up now! Fee: Early Bird fee is $89 per person if registered and paid by Fri., Aug. 16 After Fri., Aug. 16 fee is $99 per person Registration and Fee (payable in advance) by Fri., Aug. 30, 2019 (No refunds after Fri., Aug. 30, 2019) Location: Casas Adobes Congregational Church 6801 N. Oracle Rd.
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For more information and to REGISTER, call Pima Council on Aging, 520-305-3409
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July/August 2019, Never Too Late | Page 11
Pima Council on Aging
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