The easy breathing technique that reduces your risk of Alzheimer’s, according to scientists
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most devastating neurological conditions known to mankind, and scientists have been tirelessly searching for ways to prevent it. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Southern California’s Leonard Davis School of Gerontology has revealed a simple breathing trick that could potentially lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
The study involved 108 participants, between the ages of 18 to 30 and 55 to 80, who were asked to perform a breathing exercise for 20 minutes twice a day for four weeks. The exercise involved inhaling for a count of five and then exhaling for the same length of time.
The study found that this breathing exercise, when carried out for 20 minutes twice a day for four weeks, reduced the amount of amyloid beta in the blood. Amyloid beta is a toxic protein that is heavily linked to Alzheimer’s, with neurologists believing that it may even cause the disease.
The researchers believe that the breathing exercise works because the way we breathe affects our heart rate, which, in turn, affects our nervous system and the way our brain produces and clears away these toxic proteins. The sympathetic nervous system is activated when we are awake and active, and this helps us exercise, focus, and create memories. In contrast, the parasympathetic system causes heart rate to increase when we inhale and decrease when we exhale, helping us calm down and sleep.
The researchers found that it becomes harder to access the parasympathetic system and heart rate variation with aging. Studies have shown that the two nervous systems also influence the production and clearance of Alzheimer’s-related peptides and proteins.
During the study, one group of volunteers was told to think of calming thoughts while doing the breathing exercise, while the other half was instructed to match their breathing to a pacer on the laptop screen monitor, with the goal of increasing their heart rate variability (HRV) where the amount of time between their heartbeats fluctuated slightly.
Blood samples were taken from the participants at the beginning and after four weeks of breathing exercises to check the amyloid beta peptide levels in their blood. The group that breathed slowly and tried to increase their heart rate variability by increasing oscillations had less amyloid in their blood.
The researchers believe that slow-paced breathing via HRV biofeedback may be a low-cost and low-risk way to reduce plasma amyloid beta levels and to keep them low throughout adulthood. While the mechanism behind their findings is not yet understood, the study appears to be the first to find that behavioral interventions can reduce the level of amyloid beta peptides in plasma.
A simple breathing exercise, performed for 20 minutes twice a day for four weeks, could potentially reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. While further research is needed to confirm these findings, this low-cost and low-risk intervention could potentially have a significant impact on the prevention of Alzheimer’s.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that is the most common cause of dementia in the UK.
Dementia is a group of symptoms that affect the functioning of the brain, including memory, thinking, and other mental abilities. The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not yet fully understood, but there are a number of risk factors that have been identified.
One of the primary risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease is increasing age. As people get older, they become more susceptible to developing the condition. In fact, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease doubles every five years after the age of 65.
Another risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease is a family history of the condition. If a person has a parent or sibling with Alzheimer’s disease, their risk of developing the condition is higher. However, it’s important to note that having a family history of Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t mean a person will definitely develop the condition.
Untreated depression has also been identified as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Depression is a common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease, but it’s also possible that depression can contribute to the development of the condition.
Finally, lifestyle factors and conditions associated with cardiovascular disease have been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. These risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and obesity.
While the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not yet fully understood, researchers are working to better understand the condition and identify ways to prevent or treat it. In the meantime, there are steps that people can take to reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Some of these steps include staying physically active, maintaining a healthy diet, managing high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, not smoking, and staying socially engaged. These lifestyle factors can help keep the brain healthy and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
In addition, it’s important to seek treatment for any symptoms of depression or other mental health conditions. Treating these conditions can help improve overall brain health and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Overall, Alzheimer’s disease is a complex condition that is not yet fully understood. However, by identifying and addressing risk factors, people can take steps to reduce their risk of developing the condition and maintain brain health as they age.
Who is affected by Alzheimer’s disease?
The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease is highest in people over 65. Age-related increases in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are seen in 1 in 14 people over the age of 65 and 1 in 6 people over the age of 80. However, about one in twenty individuals with Alzheimer’s disease are younger than 65. Alzheimer’s disease with a young or early onset is what this is.
Getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating condition that affects the brain, causing a gradual decline in cognitive functioning. Unfortunately, due to the slow progression of the disease, it can be challenging to recognise its symptoms in the early stages. Many people believe that memory problems are just a normal part of getting older and may not seek medical help until the disease has significantly progressed.
However, it’s important to understand that Alzheimer’s disease is not a “normal” part of ageing. An accurate and timely diagnosis can offer the best chance to prepare and plan for the future, as well as receive any treatment or support that may help.
If you are concerned about your memory or think you may have dementia, it is essential to visit your general practitioner (GP). It may be helpful to bring someone who knows you well, as they can provide valuable information about any changes or problems they have noticed.
For those worried about someone else, encourage them to make an appointment and offer to accompany them.
It’s important to remember that there is no single test that can be used to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. A GP will ask questions about any problems you’re experiencing and may do some tests to rule out other conditions.
If Alzheimer’s disease is suspected, you may be referred to a specialist service for a more in-depth assessment of your symptoms. This may involve further testing, such as brain scans if necessary. The specialist will create a treatment and care plan that may include medication and support services.
In conclusion, if you or someone you know is experiencing memory problems, it’s essential to seek medical help. An accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can offer the best chance to prepare and plan for the future and receive appropriate treatment and support. Remember, memory problems do not necessarily mean you have Alzheimer’s disease, but seeking help is the first step to finding out.
Methods of treating Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition that affects the brain’s functioning, causing memory loss and other cognitive impairments. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, there are medications available that can help relieve some of the symptoms associated with the condition.
These medications include cholinesterase inhibitors, which work by increasing the levels of a chemical in the brain that’s involved in memory and thinking. Another type of medication that may be prescribed is memantine, which helps regulate the activity of a different chemical in the brain that’s involved in learning and memory.
In addition to medication, there are various other types of support available to help people with Alzheimer’s disease live as independently as possible. One important aspect of this is making changes to the home environment to make it easier to move around and remember daily tasks. For example, removing clutter and creating a simple, predictable routine can help reduce confusion and frustration.
Psychological treatments may also be offered to help support memory, problem-solving skills, and language ability. Cognitive stimulation therapy is one such treatment that involves activities designed to stimulate the brain and help maintain cognitive function. This may include things like word games, memory exercises, and group discussions.
Other types of support that may be available include occupational therapy, which can help people with Alzheimer’s disease continue to participate in activities they enjoy, and support groups, which can provide emotional support and practical advice for both people with the condition and their caregivers.
While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are many treatments and types of support available that can help improve quality of life for people with the condition. It’s important to talk to a healthcare professional if you’re concerned about memory loss or other cognitive symptoms, as early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in managing the condition.
Can Alzheimer disease be prevented?
There is no known way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease because its precise cause is unknown. However, there are some things you can do to possibly lower your risk or postpone the onset of dementia, like: putting an end to smoking and drinking less alcohol maintaining a healthy weight while eating a nutritious, balanced diet maintaining a healthy physical and mental state Other health advantages of these actions include reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and enhanced general mental health.
Dementia research
Numerous dementia research initiatives are currently underway, many of which have their bases in the UK. Participating in research can help scientists better understand the disease if you have been diagnosed with dementia or are concerned about memory issues. You can participate in research if you care for a person who has dementia.
Tags: Alzheimer’s disease
You can sign up to take part in trials on the NHS Join Dementia Research website.
