Keeping fit could help beat Alzheimers

DO something different – that’s the message to Alzheimer’s sufferers from one York expert.
Gill Myers, support services manager for the Alzheimer's Society in York, says doing new or different activities, as well as keeping fit and healthy, can keep your brain active.
Her comments follow a recent study into brain training featured on the BBC science programme Bang Goes the Theory. It showed that the games do not necessarily improve mental performance.
A six-week study saw adults trial various computer-based brain training exercises. While participants were seen to improve at the games with practice, the benefits of such training proved not to be transferable to other mental skills.
Gill said: “We’ve always encouraged people to stay mentally and physically active, and particular research shows that if you do new activities or different activities or a range of mental alert activities or if you have good social networks, it can keep your brain active."
She added: “I think the key really seems to be to do a variety of things and don’t get set in particular ways. It’s a whole range of things, from social contact, fresh air and exercise and trying to keep as healthy as possible, as you would if you were diagnosed with any other acute condition.”
She said that the trial featured on the programme involved people of all ages, and the Alzheimer’s Society was undertaking a bigger project focusing specifically on older people.
“I’ve always said to people try all sorts of games - sudoku or crosswords or trying your luck at countdown, whatever helps people feel mentally alert, but it isn’t a cure,” she said.
According to the Alzheimer's Society, a person's chances of developing the condition could be reduced by up to 20 per cent by living a healthy lifestyle.