Dr. Heather Sandison, an expert in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia care, believes that reversal isn’t just possible — but that it’s already happening in multiple patients. In her new book “Reversing Alzheimer’s: The New Tool Kit to Improve Cognition and Protect Brain Health,” published by HarperCollins, Sandison offers a step-by-step guide to help Alzheimer’s patients improve their overall brain health.
One of the key elements of Sandison’s program is the focus on exercise as a crucial lifestyle factor in preventing and managing dementia. Research has shown that physical activity can reduce the likelihood and progression of Alzheimer’s. Sandison emphasizes that exercise is like medicine for the brain, providing a wide range of benefits.
Exercise increases blood flow throughout the body, including to the brain, delivering more oxygen and nutrients while flushing away waste products. It strengthens the heart and cardiovascular system, improving blood flow even when not working out. Additionally, exercise can reduce the risk of arterial plaques that disrupt blood flow to the brain and contribute to dementia.
Exercise is considered a beneficial stressor, making the body more efficient at using resources and tissues stronger. It benefits several root causes of neurological diseases by improving structure, reducing stress, improving sleep, strengthening immune function, promoting detox, improving signaling, and more. Sandison highlights the importance of challenging the brain and increasing exercise intensity to reap maximum benefits.
Sandison recommends four types of exercises to prioritize: aerobic exercise, strength training, dual-task training, and contrast oxygen therapy. Aerobic exercise, known as cardio, strengthens the heart and enhances brain function by delivering essential nutrients. Strength training builds muscle tissue, promoting brain health through the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
Dual-task training combines physical movement with cognitive challenges, such as walking while listening to educational materials. Contrast oxygen therapy, which alters oxygen levels during exercise, enhances blood flow throughout the body, including the brain. While this type of training requires specialized gear, it can significantly benefit cognitive function.
Sandison emphasizes that exercise is a powerful health intervention that can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including dementia. By incorporating exercise into a regular routine, individuals can address numerous causal factors of dementia and improve overall brain health. Sandison’s book provides valuable insights and guidance for Alzheimer’s patients looking to enhance cognition and protect brain health through exercise.