Can Daily Breathing Exercises Reduce Alzheimer's Disease Risk? 3 Exercises To Try

Monday, May 15, 2023, 18:00

Every day, we are exposed to a variety of environmental and lifestyle factors that can have an impact on our health and well-being. One of the most important factors is our breathing. Recent research has indicated that daily breathing exercises may play a significant role in reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease [1].

Now you may wonder, how do breathing exercises do that right? Let's take a look.

Can Daily Breathing Exercises Reduce Alzheimer's Disease Risk?

Breathing exercises can increase the amount of oxygen in the brain, which is essential for healthy brain function. Studies have shown that regular breathing exercises can actually improve the way the brain processes information and can help to reduce stress levels [2].

In addition, regular breathing exercises can help to reduce inflammation, which is a known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.

What Type Of Breathing Exercises Help Reduce Alzheimer's Disease Risk?

There are many different types of breathing exercises that can be done on a daily basis. These include [3]:

deep breathing,
diaphragmatic breathing,
and alternate nostril breathing.

Deep breathing is a practice of slowly inhaling and exhaling deeply and is often used as a relaxation technique.

How to do deep breathing for Alzheimer's?

To practice deep breathing, start by finding a comfortable position and closing your eyes.
Slowly inhale through your nose and count to four, allowing your chest to expand.
Hold your breath for a count of four, and then slowly exhale through your mouth while counting to four.
Repeat this process for several minutes, focusing on the rhythm of your breath.

Diaphragmatic breathing is a technique that focuses on the use of the diaphragm muscle to control the breath.

How to do diaphragmatic breathing for Alzheimer's?

To do diaphragmatic breathing, start by lying on your back with one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach.
Breathe in slowly through your nose, allowing your diaphragm to expand and pushing your stomach outward.
As you exhale, focus on pushing the air out with your diaphragm and drawing your stomach inward.
Continue this process for several minutes, focusing on the sensation of your breath and the movement of your diaphragm.

Alternate nostril breathing is a technique that focuses on alternating the nostrils during the breathing process.

How to do alternate nostril breathing for Alzheimer's?

To do alternate nostril breathing, use your right thumb to close off your right nostril and inhale through your left nostril.
Then, close off your left nostril with your right ring finger and exhale through your right nostril.
Then, inhale through your right nostril and exhale through your left nostril.
Repeat this sequence several times.

Other measures that help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease:

In addition to the breathing exercises mentioned above, there are other lifestyle changes that can help to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. These include regular physical activity, eating a healthy diet, and getting adequate amounts of sleep.

Additionally, it is important to stay socially active, as social engagement has been linked to improved mental health and well-being.

On A Final Note...

Engaging in daily breathing exercises can be an effective way to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Regular breathing exercises can help to reduce stress, increase oxygen to the brain, and reduce inflammation.

Furthermore, making healthy lifestyle choices can help to further reduce the risk of developing this devastating disease.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.