El (des) uso del cuerpo en personas con Alzheimer. El ejercicio físico como práctica preventiva y tratamiento no farmacológico

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease is globally recognized for the memory loss experienced by individuals who suffer

from it. However, there are many other direct or indirect consequences associated with this condition,

such as loss of autonomy and deterioration of basic motor abilities, including walking, standing, balance,

coordination, among others.

Taking this as a reference, and understanding physical exercise as a planned and systematized activity

aimed at maintaining or improving one or more components of physical fitness (American College of

Sports Medicine, 2021), it is necessary to discuss the different effects that physical activity has at both

neurological and functional levels, and from there, to establish a relationship with Alzheimer’s disease.

Thus, we consider that exercise could be a practice to be taken into account for disease prevention and

even as a non-pharmacological treatment to provide individuals with the best possible quality of life

throughout the course of the disease. Based on this, and considering various personal experiences, the

following question arises: What can Physical Education professionals do to prevent or improve the

quality of life of people living with this disease?