Looks like a a routine exercise regime can do more than just keeping you look PHYSICALLY in shape...it can keep you mentally sharp, as well!

At the beginning of this year, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) provided a practice guideline update on Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).  It has a couple interesting findings:

• "Although long-term studies are unavailable, six-month studies suggest a possible benefit of twice-weekly exercise for cognition in MCI. Exercise also has general health benefits and generally limited risk."
• "For patients diagnosed with MCI, clinicians should counsel the patients and families that there are no pharmacologic or dietary agents currently shown to have symptomatic cognitive benefit in MCI and that no medications are FDA-approved for this purpose."

The Cleveland Clinic expands more on MCI::

When should you suspect that you have mild cognitive impairment? Just as the name implies, the signs and symptoms of MCI are mild and may include:

• Decline in memory and thinking skills
• Trouble remembering appointments
• Difficulty recalling some conversations

At the same time, day-to-day functioning is relatively normal; you can drive, cook, pay bills and perform other tasks, but you may increasingly rely on notes and reminders from other people.
MCI is most common in people over age 55. By age 65, approximately 15 to 20 percent of the population shows signs of MCI, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Thursday September 22 is the autumnal equinox and first day of fall.

This day is also the 9th annual  Falls Prevention Awareness Day. 

This day, sponsored by the National Council on Aging, is to raise awareness about how to prevent fall-related injuries among older adults.

Falls threaten one’s safety and quality of life.  Unfortunately, falling is common and affects around 30% of community-dwelling individuals over the age 651.

Some common factors that can lead to a fall include: decline in balance and gait, impaired vision, use of medications (ie: may lead to dizziness or dehydration as side-effect of medication), environmental hazards (ie: presence of easy to trip over items), and chronic medical conditions (ie: arthritis, diabetes, stroke).

Physical therapists play an instrumental role in preventing falls.  A recent study related to various interventions to prevent falls determined that exercise is effective at reducing the risk for falls, reducing the rate of falls, and reducing the rate of injurious falls (falls which resulted in a fractured bone).  Exercise was shown to be beneficial despite whether it was performed in a group setting or at home2.

A physical therapist can help design a specific exercise program which focuses on gait, balance, strengthening, and functional training for you or your aging loved one.  Your P.T. can also help determine if an assisted device, such as a cane or walker, is appropriate for maintaining better balance.

If you have a history of falls or are concerned about falling, we encourage you to discuss your concerns with your primary care physician.  You may be a good candidate for physical therapy and we are here to help!

Check out the National Council on Aging webpage to access more information on healthy aging and falls prevention.  https://www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/falls-prevention

Have a safe and wonderful week!
-Stephanie
 
References:

1. Deandrea S, Lucenteforte E, Bravi F, et al. Risk factors for falls in community-dwelling older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis.  Epidemiology. 2010;21:658-668.
2. Stubbs B, Brefka S, Denkinger M. What works to prevent falls in community-dwelling older adults?  Umbrella review of meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Physical Therapy. 2015;95:1095-1110.