1. Move It or Lose It – Exercise & Brain Health Alzheimer's Caregivers 39:56

In this episode, I talk with Tony Salinaro an exercise professional and running coach who is still running at 71. He had a Mom with memory loss. Now he works with stroke victims to help them recover and age better. All this while also maintaining a personal Coaching business and running club!  Find out about exercise and brain health in this fascinating conversation.

In this episode we learn that we need to do everything possible to add movement and exercise into everyday life. Larger doses of moderate-intensity exercise are shown to have brain-boosting powers that help all types of mental health and memory issues.
Regular Exercise & Alzheimer’s Risks
Did you know that regular physical exercise can reduce your risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease by up to a stunning 50%? Studies have shown that women 50 and older who exercised regularly have a dramatic reduction in cognitive decline. That’s right– they kept their brain power at optimal strength! Recent findings also suggest that an overall active lifestyle is the key to brain and body health. (You were hoping for a different answer, right?)

To see maximum benefits of an exercise program, research suggests working up to a level of 150 minutes per week. You want a combination of cardio exercise and strength training. Great ways to get in your aerobic exercise include brisk walking, jogging, dancing, swimming, and playing tennis. Also, going to the gym and utilizing an elliptical, treadmill or stationary bike are excellent options.

Anything that gets your heart pumping and your muscles Moving is heading you in the right direction to better overall health. Plus when you include strength training (e.g., weights, resistance machines, etc.), you maintain your muscle mass and prevent osteoporosis and related illness.

If you’d like to get ahold of Tony, he’s more than happy to answer questions. His email is runfitter46@gmail.com

After helping care for her grandmother who had vascular dementia, Jennifer realized her Mother was showing signs of early onset Alzheimer’s. After the death of her father in 2017 Jennifer went searching for answers to many of the common questions and Alzheimer’s caregiver faces. Being a busy entrepreneur Jennifer realized that a podcast would be the easiest way to learn more about caregiving while completing other tasks.

Sadly, in late 2017 she only found one and it didn’t quite address what she was looking for, so she did the next best thing, and started her own. The Fading Memories podcast is now in it’s fourth year and despite the death of her Mom in March 2020, Jennifer is still talking to caregivers and still learning how to be an excellent caregiver. On the podcast she discusses caregiving, brain health, self-care and how to age well.