By KATHLEEN O’CONNOR

INTRODUCING MOVER’CISE MEMORIES (A BRAIN EXERCISE CLASS)

WHY?

Because a new case of dementia is detected every four seconds. This is a pressing health care issue of the 21st century. There is no assured pharmacological treatment available. So much interest is being focused on lifestyle approaches for preventing or treating the disease! These should be cost effective and widely accessible. One attractive solution is exercise, which has a large consistent pool of evidence, compiled over the last Five Decades. (Voss, Nagamatsu, 2014)

Long time research finds that there is a relationship between exercise and the brain and cognition health throughout the life span. The focus is on the effects of aerobic and eye exercises. Both are offered through the Mover’cise exercise classes! However there is growing evidence that brain exercises should be the central key in this fight, (that is why Mover’cise Memories has developed). All of these exercises are important for maintaining cognitive and brain health as we age.

While much literature indicates that these exercises protects brain health as a person grows older. It is not known how to encourage people to take advantage of exercise to accomplish this, (that is why I write these articles and do radio shows, in hopes of inspiring you to come and get healthy and have fun with Mover’cise classes). Mental decline becomes apparent mostly in the elderly, in the forms of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

To help prevent these and other dreaded diseases, I along with health care professional want to establish this most important benefit from exercising. We want to motivate all age groups to exercise. This is a world wide problem, and the most pressing problem of the 21st century. The National Institute of Health and the United Nations department on Global Issues – the World Health Organization, recognize this problem and that exercise is the likely solution. We believe that when people hear the additional benefits of simple exercises, they will be inspired to get and keep moving and help their family and friends do the same. (Walking is good but unfortunately it is not enough).

There is history of exercise being widely popularized for bodily health, but not enough for brain health. The overriding concern is that the crucial importance of physical activity is undervalued and under appreciated by many individuals in public health and clinical medicine. The advantages of exercise should have been taught in medical school from it’s very beginning. Hippocrates, (the father of medicine), spoke of the benefit of exercise. But somehow after his passing its importance began to fade. Fortunately now it is regaining its popularity. Unfortunately brain health in relation to exercise is still unknown to many health care practitioners. That is why this information is so important. No one want to – “lose their mind”– but it is a real threat for each of us!

This is a desperate world wide need because a new case of dementia is detected 15 times a minute! The loss of independence and freedom is not only overwhelming for the individual but for their family and loved ones. The cost associated with this process is enormous. This is an international problem that is not being addressed in a uniform and global way. This is a must! There is good news. The only likely solution is to exercise the entire body, including the brain. This is so simple and can be widespread and is cost effective. I hope you are being inspired to come to our Mover’cise classes. Also register and have fun in a Mover’cise Memories group.

There have been over five decades of worldwide research to find a remedy for dementia. Exercise has risen as the only answer. There are no medications to prevent or cure dementia or Alzheimer’s. This is the conclusion of the research to date. What is missing is an organized platform for education on this matter.

Professor Steven N. Blair, Department of Exercise Science and Epidemiology/Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, from the University of South Carolina, states that, “Evidence supports the conclusion that physical Inactivity may be the most important public health problem of the 21st Century.” He is not alone in this way of thinking. Professionals world wide are saying the same thing. The problem is that there has been no unified body to broadcast this message. Mr. Blair explains that there is strong emerging evidence that exercise delays or eliminates cognitive decline and is good for brain health as well as having extensive benefits for the rest of the body.

The overriding concern is that the crucial importance of physical activity is undervalued and under appreciated by many individuals in public health and clinical medicine, this is mine and many others conclusion. Some forward thinking physicians are giving their patients, “green prescriptions.” Writing out an exercise program that they are to follow, and it is working! The solutions are so very easy — just keep moving — Mover’ciseing. Any part of the body that can move, needs to be moved. With an emphasis on brain exercises to battle dementia and Alzheimer’s.

In summary, it is known after five decades of research that exercise is the only way to protect brain health and possibly prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia. Unfortunately this information is not widely known within the medical community and general population. Education is key, which will help people take charge of their mental well being, simply by exercising.

A new case of dementia is detected every four seconds. This is a most pressing health care issue of the 21st century. There is no pharmacological cure available, so much interest is being focused on lifestyle approaches for preventing or treating the disease. These should be cost effective and widely accessible. One attractive solution is exercise, which has a large consistent pool of evidence, compiled over the last five decades. (Liu-Ambrose, 2014 ) Exercise will help to protect brain health — keep moving — Mover’cise.

Kathleen O’Connor has a bachelor’s in Science and master’s in Professional Studies and can be heard on the WWVA family of radio stations. Ohio classes are held in Shadyside, Bridgeport and St. Clairsville. Call 304-218-1958 for class times and information.