Neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS, present significant challenges to older adults in the United States and around the world. While many pharmacological treatments are available for these conditions, researchers have investigated how nursing-based physical activity interventions may improve not only physical functioning and mobility, but cognitive functioning and overall quality of life for those diagnosed with such a disorder. Activities should be tailored to meet the older adult’s capabilities in conjunction with pharmacological treatments.
Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Quick Review
Diseases that are known by their progressive deterioration of neural structure and functions are neurodegenerative disorders and include disease like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia or FTD. What these conditions have in common is that they are chronic, irreversible, and eventually destroy neurons, leading to physical and cognitive impairment and death.
Nursing-Based Physical Activity and the Brain
Nursing-based physical activity has been found to stimulate important biological mechanisms that support the brain, especially in older adults. One such benefit is the enhancement of neuroplasticity or the brain’s ability to form and reorganize connections between synapses. Another benefit is an increased expression of brain-derived neurotropic factor, a protein critical to the survival, growth and maintenance of brain cells which in turn, enhances both neuroplasticity and cognitive function. Other benefits include increased oxygen and nutrients to the brain, a reduction in neuroinflammation, which is closely connected to neurodegeneration and improved neurogenesis, or the process of generating new neurons especially in the hippocampus (an area of the brain responsible for learning and memory) all of which may slow cognitive decline associated with age and neurodegenerative conditions.
Types of Physical Activity for Neurodegenerative Disorders
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommend a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity over the course of a week or 75 minutes of higher-intensity aerobic physical activity, or a combination of both. Muscle-strengthening exercises which focus on major muscle groups are recommended two or more times per week. Along with aerobic and resistance training, Tai Chi, yoga, dance and technology-assisted modes of exercise are also recommended. These are designed to provide a number of benefits for older adults diagnosed with neurodegenerative conditions including:
- Promotion of overall health and well-being
- Enhanced physical function and mobility
- Reduction in risk of chronic conditions
- Improvement of symptoms
- Slowing progression of these conditions
Final Thoughts on Physical Activity and Neurodegenerative Disorders in Older Adults
Neurodegenerative disorders are among some of the most dreaded conditions among older adults as they all lead to significant physical and cognitive impairment and a diminished quality of life. Although prescription medications may help in managing symptoms, there are no cures for these disorders. Nursing-based physical activity has been shown to present a number of positive health benefits including symptom management and improvement in overall health and wellness. The types and frequency of activity should be reviewed with a healthcare practitioner to better ensure safety.
Reference
- Alanazi, M.A. The Role of Physical Activity in Adjunctive Nursing Management of Neuro-Degenerative Diseases Among Older Adults: A Systematic Review of Interventional Studies. Life, 2024, 14: 597.