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
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