Key points from today’s guests:

Dr. Jeffrey Burns, director, Memory Care Clinic, The University of Kansas Health System; co-director, University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center

• We're beginning to understand what can drive new brain cell production in the brain. And one of the things that stimulates that type of birth of new neurons in the brain is exercise.
• This is something that's a big area of interest, and something we're trying to actually really prove and understand so that when we exercise, we can boost the health of the hippocampus, because we can drive that new neuron production through exercise -- something that is potentially very relevant to Alzheimer's disease.
• If we can use exercise to really improve the health of the hippocampus, an area hit hard early in Alzheimer's disease, you know that could potentially translate into some real benefits.
• So there is a little evidence that that exercise may slow down that shrinkage of the brain that we can see with Alzheimer's disease. Can we restore the brain to its previous level? Probably not. But we do think that exercise may have an impact on the brain.
• Exercise is important, but things like diet and sleep and socializing and structure in your day are things that are important as well.
• It's really a transformative time for Alzheimer's disease in terms of the research and the clinical care, and we're right on the front edge of a lot of good stuff happening.

Michelle Niedens, director, Cognitive Care Network

• Exercise and movement is part of the action plan with along with other areas.
• We need some structure to our day. We need some element of productivity -- let's look at the work piece, volunteerism, hobbies, socialization -- and construct a schedule that has all those pieces in them.
• Addressing some of those emotional components is vital, and we see that in this program for patients to work out. Sometimes this workout group is also a support group.
• These programs show that movement can help, not only physically, but also mentally in terms of the depression and really building some of that schedule.

Joey Mitchell, fitness training instructor, The University of Kansas Health System

• We have a fitness class that brings together individuals with mild cognitive impairment, early dementia, and Alzheimer’s.
• Working with the people in this group has been the most amazing experience.
• We work on getting muscles activated, getting the blood flowing, and then we work on balance.
• Balance is so important in fall prevention and injury prevention. Our exercises force you to trust where those feet are going, so you can't necessarily see where they're at, so it's a good challenge for them.
• Most importantly, they're just having fun together. They're getting to work together and play a game and kind of have that social aspect of things.
• If you're looking for a place to be active, if you aren't sure what to do, and you want to take things into your own hands, we are a safe place.
• We have a free assessment so you can come out and meet our staff and see our facility. No matter where you're at, we'll find a place for you, and you're always welcome here.

Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 8 a.m. is the next Morning Medical Update. Learn more about holistic support for people living with breast cancer. Meet the cosmetologist helping women regain their comfort and confidence.

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