ACTIVITY IN OLDER ADULTS HELPS REVERSE NEURODEGENERATION IN THOSE WITH MILD MENTAL DECLINES

A new small study suggests starting an exercise program helps protect older adults' brains from deterioration and can even help to reverse some early mental decline.  In the study, researchers placed 34 inactive persons, aged 61-88, on an exercise program that consisted of moderate-intensity treadmill walking four times a week for 12 weeks.

By the end of the study period, cardiorespiratory fitness improved on average by 8%.  MRI scans of the brain  revealed an increase in the thickness of participants' cerebral cortex, the outer layer of the brain critical in cognitive function. Shrinkage of the brain's cortical layer is a marker of Alzheimer's disease progression and decline in cortex volume correlates closely with cognitive impairment.  Notably, researchers found those with the greatest improvements in physical fitness exhibited the most cerebral cortex growth. While both the healthy and cognitively impaired participants showed increases in cortex thickness, the impaired individuals had greater improvements in two specific regions of the cortex known to be especially effected by Alzheimer's disease.  Brain growth was also positively correlated with improvements in memory recall. Previous research by the same team has also shown moderate intensity physical activity, helps to stave off shrinkage of the hippocampus which is located near the center of the brain and is associated with long-term memory and spatial navigation.

What to do:  It's never too late to get moving!  Improved fitness pays off at all stages of life and for nearly all aspects of our physiology.  And, it looks like we do not have to become a gym rat to realize these benefits.  Getting a half-hour of moderate activity such as brisk walking four times per week demands a relatively modest time commitment and is realistic for individuals over a range of fitness levels.  So, start moving more.  Your body, mind, and mood will thank you.

Adapted from articles available at:

https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_155965.html

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/11/151119113458.htm

Source:

Reiter K, Nielson KA, Smith TJ et al.  Improved cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with increased cortical thickness in mild cognitive impairment. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society. 2015; 21 (10): 757.  DOI: 10.1017/S135561771500079X