Alzheimer's disease is a formidable foe that affects millions of lives worldwide. At Running 4 Memories, our first and foremost goal is to educate others about Alzheimer's. Through our journey, we share information about the impact of the disease, the challenges faced by those affected, and the importance of early detection. By raising awareness, we aim to contribute to a more informed and compassionate community.

When our mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2015, one of the most important steps we took was to educate ourselves on the disease. My mom’s mother (my grandmother) also had Alzheimer’s, as well as two of my mom’s older sisters. In all honesty, my mom’s prediction that she would ultimately battle this disease as well, paired with our dedication to learning as much as we could about the disease, prepared our family for the challenges that my mom has faced. The more that we understood what causes Alzheimer’s, possible ways to delay its progress, and how it impacts different people, the better we felt about navigating the difficult years to come.

The links below from the Alzheimer’s Association provide great information about Alzheimer’s. Today, over 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and that number is predicted to double in the next 25 years. This doesn’t include often overlooked caregivers, who in 2022 provided over 18 billion hours of unpaid care to someone they know.

ALZ “Facts & Figures”
ALZ InfoGraphic

Just as educating others about Alzheimer’s is one of our goals, so too is staying healthy ourselves. Research shows that many of the causes of dementia-related illnesses begin 20+ years before the onset of symptoms. That’s why developing healthy habits today is so important! Most closely related to Running 4 Memories is the significant impact regular exercise can have on our cognitive health. Here are some ways in which running and physical activity may be beneficial for Alzheimer's and dementia prevention:

Improved Blood Flow: Exercise helps improve blood flow throughout the body, including the brain. Good blood flow is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to brain cells.

Neurotransmitter Release: Physical activity stimulates the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which play a role in mood regulation and cognitive function.

Brain Structure: Regular exercise has been linked to changes in brain structure, including increased volume in areas associated with memory and learning.

Reduced Risk Factors: Physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension, which are risk factors for cognitive decline.

Neuroprotective Effects: Exercise may have direct neuroprotective effects, promoting the survival of neurons and protecting the brain against damage.

Alzheimer’s disease is one that has a major impact on us all. Understanding the disease will help you to know where you can best support those battling today and research to end Alzheimer’s tomorrow.