Researchers at the University of Kansas found mild Alzheimer’s patients had less shrinking of the brain if they were physically fit.
They used MRI’s to measure the brain volume of 121 people, some with early Alzheimer’s disease and some who were healthy. The least physically fit Alzheimer’s patients had brain volumes four times smaller than the most fit and healthy people.
Researchers found no such link in patients without dementia.
And in other medical news…
Patients who bring a companion to their doctor's visits report a better, more informative experience.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University reviewed surveys filled out by over 12,000 Medicare beneficiaries. They found close to 40 percent of participants were regularly accompanied by spouses or children to their doctor's visits.
Those who had a companion were more satisfied with their doctor's skills and communication, and reported a better experience overall.
Over 60 percent of companions helped with communication, and in most cases, were in better health than the patient.