New research has found that physical activity in conjunction with memory training, stress reduction and a healthy diet improves both subjective(self-perceived) and objective (measureable) memory. This latest study consisted of 115 participants, all over the age of 60 (with reported memory problems but no established dementia). They each participated in a 6-week ‘brain fitness’ program (2 days/wk, for an hour each session)with an aim to improve their memory. Results showed a significant improvement in memory in terms of encoding and recalling new verbal information, retention of verbal information, verbal fluency and self-perception of memory (i.e. memory of self-awareness, frequency and severity of forgetting, use of pneumonics and retrospective functioning). Whist there is no existing evidence that Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented entirely, there has been a link established between diabetes and Alzheimer’s where the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease is much greater in those with diabetes. As such, by preventing diabetes with regular physical activity and a healthy diet, it is thought that this will essentially reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
