CHICAGO, July 27, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ - People with early Alzheimer's disease who had better fitness ratings had less atrophy in key brain areas associated with memory, according to research reported today at the 2008 Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD 2008) in Chicago.
This is the first time that MRI brain imaging has been used to demonstrate the connection between cardiorespiratory fitness and Alzheimer's-related brain changes in the hippocampus, an area of the brain important for memory and spatial navigation. In Alzheimer's, the hippocampus is one of the first regions of the brain to suffer damage.
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By Cristina Alesci July 27 (Bloomberg) - People with Alzheimer's disease who exercise have less brain damage in the area responsible for learning, giving scientific heft to advice doctors have stressed recently: what's good for the body is good for the mind.
Physically fit Alzheimer's patients had larger hippocampuses, the brain structure key to memory, than those who weren't as well conditioned, said researchers at the University of Kansas Medical Center, in Kansas City, Kansas, who are scheduled to present the results today at the Alzheimer's Association's International Conference. Research released earlier this month linked exercise and brain volume in Alzheimer's disease

SUNDAY, July 27 (HealthDay News) - Physical fitness can help the mind, body and quality of life of people with early Alzheimer's disease and dementia, according to new research.
"These studies reinforce the need for increased awareness and education about the importance of living a brain-healthy lifestyle, including staying physically active," William Thies, vice president of medical and scientific relations for the Alzheimer's Association, said in a news release. "Growing evidence shows that physical exercise does not have to be strenuous or require a major time commitment. It is most effective when done regularly, and in combination with a brain-healthy diet, mental activity and social interaction."
brain to suffer damage from Alzheimer's.

Dementia means any kind of brain disorder that results in a loss of memory, difficulty speaking and problems with physical ability, like being clumsy. It can be minor or severe and you can have some form of dementia at any age, although it's most common in older people. Around 30% of people over 95 have dementia and it's believed that there are about 15,000 young people with dementia.
What's the difference between Alzheimer's and senile dementia?
on causes. There are also rarer syndromes and diseases that may lead to dementia.