Exercise Delays Alzheimer's Progression: Study

There are many types of dementia, and not all mild dementia becomes Alzheimer's. However, according to a recent study, those who now have a mild cognitive impairment can delay the progression into Alzheimer's disease with exercise. 

For those with mild dementia, moderate exercise more than once a week for at least ten minutes gave individuals an 18% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. 

Researchers in South Korea examined more than 250,000 people with mild cognitive impairment. Mild cognitive impairment is defined as people who struggle with their memory and thinking more than typical for someone in their age group. 

Dementia Often Progresses

The concern is that those with mild cognitive impairment are ten times more likely to develop Alzheimer's than the general population.

Dr. Hanna Cho, of Yonsei University College of Medicine, in a statement that their findings show that regular physical activity is beneficial and delays the progression of mild dementia into more progressive Alzheimer's. 

"Even if a person with mild cognitive impairment did not exercise regularly before their diagnosis, our results suggest that starting to exercise regularly after diagnosis could significantly lower their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease," Dr. Cho said.

The Alzheimer's Association says exercise benefits brain cells by increasing blood and oxygen flow in the brain. Because of its known cardiovascular benefits, a medically approved exercise plan is a valuable component of any overall wellness plan.

Dementia Becoming More Common

Six million people in the United States have Alzheimer's today, an expected 13 million people will suffer by the year 2050. One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer's, which is more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. 

Alzheimer's and other dementia are leading causes of long-term health care in the U.S. and worldwide. The result is millions of unpaid, untrained, and unprepared family members find themselves becoming caregivers for a parent. These family caregivers must juggle their careers and families with their role of caregiver, creating an enormous amount of stress and anxiety. 

Paid care is available, but increasing demand increases the already expensive costs of long-term care services in the United States. The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator shows costs do vary depending on the type of services required and where you live - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News. 

Only LTC Insurance and Medicaid Will Pay for Dementia Care

Traditional health insurance, including Medicare, are not a funding solution as they do not cover more long-term health care services. Medicaid will pay for services, but you must have little or no income or assets -  Doesn't Health Insurance Pay for Long-Term Care? What About Medicare and Supplements? Medicaid? | LTC News.

Those individuals who own Long-Term Care Insurance do have benefits that will pay for dementia care. 

Many other factors can have an influence on the progression of dementia. For example, there seems to be a connection between diabetes and dementia. The age a person gets diagnosed with diabetes also has a relationship as the earlier an individual develops diabetes, the greater their chance is for developing dementia.

Health, Body, and Mind Decline with Aging

Once a person gets past 40, we typically start seeing signs of decline in our health, body and eventually mind. As these changes become more advanced, they lead to a much higher risk of needing long-term care services and supports. The costs have an adverse effect on family and finances. 

Many financial advisors and other retirement experts recommend preparing for these future costs before getting older and having significant health issues. 

There are several types of available plans and more options available today than in the decades past. For anyone with savings, some sort of Long-Term Care Insurance will be recommended by many experts. These plans are custom designed to fit your age, health, and family history - not to mention your budget.

Partnership LTC Insurance - Big Retirement Planning Secret

One of the biggest secrets in retirement planning is the federal Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership Program. Forty-five states participate by providing special LTC Insurance plans that provide dollar-for-dollar asset protection - What is a Long-Term Care Partnership Policy? | LTC News.

Be sure to seek the help of a licensed and experience Long-Term Care Insurance specialist who works with numerous companies to assist you in navigating the many available options. 

The ideal time is before retirement, in your 40s or 50s when premiums are lower and your health is still reasonably good.