Brisk Walking Can Rebuild Your Brain
As little as three hours a week of brisk walking can actually reverse the brain deterioration brought on by aging. According to new research at theUniversityofIllinois, aerobic exercise can increase the brain’s amount of “gray matter”—neurons —as well as its “white matter,” the connections between neurons, in older adults.
Until recently it was believed that age-related brain shrinkage and cognitive decline were inevitable, and that the brain can’t grow new neurons. This view has changed with demonstrations in animals that older brains can show positive changes in response to exercise, diet, social and environmental stimulation.
A recent study of older human subjects found that exercise can actually reverse the brain shrinkage and natural wear and tear that starts in mid-life. The research involved 59 healthy but sedentary volunteers, ages 60-79, who participated in a six-month randomized clinical trial, meeting three times a week. Half did aerobic exercises such as brisk walking, while a control group did only non-aerobic stretching and toning exercises. Researchers compared high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans before and at the end of the exercise program. After six months, those in the aerobic exercise group showed significant increases in brain volume, while those in the control group did not. The prefrontal and temporal cortices of the brain—areas responsible for memory and information-processing that are especially prone to age-related deterioration —showed the greatest gains from aerobic exercise.
Moderate levels of exercise—in particular, walking—are relatively easy to do and may result in increased cognitive flexibility and the ability to lead independent lives for longer periods of time. You don’t have to be a marathon runner—a brisk walk works well. In addition, swimming and biking ways that people can get these anti-aging brain benefits as well.
Source: Tufts Health and Nutrition Newsletter
Contact Pure Home Care Services at (586) 293-2457 today! If you live in Macomb County or the surrounding area, we can help you care for your loved ones.