Alzheimer’s, though not a normal part of ageing, has been growing rapidly and affects thousands of men and women over 60. A progressive condition, it is unfortunately rapidly progressive, that primarily affects memory, thinking, and behavior.While there is no cure for the condition, it can be somewhat managed with medication.
The good news is that Alzheimer’s is preventable, though you need to start young to prevent it. Dr. Heather Sandison, a leading expert in Alzheimer’s care, shared hopeful advice on how simple lifestyle changes can help prevent or even reverse cognitive decline. One powerful strategy she highlights is dual-tasking-doing two activities at the same time, like walking and talking. Here’s why this matters for your brain health.What is Dual-tasking?Dual-tasking means using your brain to handle two tasks simultaneously. For example, walking while having a conversation or solving a problem. Dr. Sandison explains that this kind of mental and physical multitasking challenges the brain to stay active and connected. It helps improve brain function by encouraging different areas of the brain to work together.When you do dual tasks regularly, it strengthens brain networks and supports neuroplasticity-the brain’s ability to grow and form new connections. This is important because Alzheimer’s and other dementias involve the loss of these connections. By keeping your brain busy with dual tasks, you help slow down or prevent this decay.Walking and talkingOne of the easiest ways to practice dual-tasking is by walking and talking at the same time. Dr. Sandison points out that walking increases blood flow to the brain, bringing oxygen and nutrients that keep brain cells healthy. At the same time, talking or thinking activates different brain regions involved in language and memory.
What does research say?Research shows that combining physical movement with mental activity, like walking and chatting, leads to better cognitive health than doing either alone. It also helps reduce stress and improves mood, both of which protect the brain from damage.Effect on brainStudies mentioned by Dr. Sandison and other researchers find that the ability to walk and talk at the same time declines as people age, often starting around age 55. This decline can be an early sign of brain aging or even early Alzheimer’s. By practicing dual-task exercises, you can keep this ability strong and possibly delay the onset of cognitive problems.More Than Just ExerciseDr. Sandison also highlights that dual-task activities like walking with a friend or family member combine physical exercise with social interaction. Socializing itself is a brain workout because it requires interpreting emotions, facial expressions, and language. This extra mental effort helps build brain connections and keeps memory sharp.Plus, spending time with loved ones reduces loneliness and stress, which are known to harm brain health. So, walking and talking together gives you a double dose of brain protection-physical and social.How to startDual tasking can be combined by the followingTaking a walk while calling a friend or chatting with a family memberDoing light exercises while listening to an audiobook or podcastPlaying games that combine movement and thinking, like dance or yoga classesThe key is to keep your brain and body active together regularly.
