Research suggests that regular aerobic exercise may delay or even reverse age-related brain decline, including that associate with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
AEROBIC EXERCISE:
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) defines aerobic exercise as “any activity that uses large muscle groups, can be maintained continuously, and is rhythmic in nature.” It is a type of exercise that overloads the heart and lungs and causes them to work harder than at rest. The important idea behind aerobic exercise today, is to get up and get moving!! There are more activities than ever to choose from, whether it is a new activity or an old one. Find something you enjoy doing that keeps your heart rate elevated for a continuous time period and get moving to a healthier life.
According to a review of studies in the British Journal of Sports Medicine:
“Moderate physical activity - anything that leaves you breathless (Okay, that could be sex too! Whoop!) - can increase both the volume of brain tissue and the brain’s ability to function.”
In a study at the University of Kansas Medical Center:
“Researchers found that patients with early Alzheimer’s who worked out regularly showed less deterioration in the areas of the brain linked to memory than more sedentary patients with the disease.”
Other studies indicate that high levels of physical fitness have a positive effect on mental plasticity, or the brain’s capacity for growth and development. (Yes, your brain does keep growing, changing and developing, no matter what age!)
Bottom line: Don’t let age slow you down or use age for an excuse to not stay mentally and physically sharp!
June 14th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
I’am from indonesia and i’am an aerobic and fitness instructor at central java (purwokerto city)..and I really concern about relationshipp between aerobic and stability of our brain cause i’am an scientist too (expecially in food and beverage technology)…
I agree with all of your statement at this article..