Physical Activity Protects Your Brain
Current scientific studies demonstrate a strong relationship between physical exercise, cognition, and the prevention of cognitive disease. (Hötting and Röder, 2012)
Cognition
You're ability to think and understand
Attention and Focus, Decision Making and Reasoning, Memory and Learning
Attention and Focus, Decision Making and Reasoning, Memory and Learning
Stay Sharp
The cognitive areas of the brain that decline the most with age are also the areas that benefit the most from exercise. (Colcombe et al, 2004)
This means that exercise reduces cognitive decline and helps keep your mind sharp as you get older!
Research has shown that older adults who are fit perform better on cognitive tests, and may live more independently for longer. (Colcombe et al, 2004)
Not only could you be independent, as an added bonus, you'll also be physically fit enough to enjoy your independence to the fullest.
Keep Your Memory
"...aerobic exercise training increases the size of the anterior hippocampus, leading to improvements in spatial memory." (Erickson et al, 2010)
Brain chemicals that help grow new brain cells are also increased after exercise, and could also explain improvements in memory. (Erickson et al, 2010)
The hippocampus is thought to play a major role in memory formation. Building a stronger hippocampus could help build stronger memory.
AND THERE'S MORE...
The cognitive areas of the brain that decline the most with age are also the areas that benefit the most from exercise. (Colcombe et al, 2004)
This means that exercise reduces cognitive decline and helps keep your mind sharp as you get older!
Research has shown that older adults who are fit perform better on cognitive tests, and may live more independently for longer. (Colcombe et al, 2004)
Not only could you be independent, as an added bonus, you'll also be physically fit enough to enjoy your independence to the fullest.
Keep Your Memory
"...aerobic exercise training increases the size of the anterior hippocampus, leading to improvements in spatial memory." (Erickson et al, 2010)
Brain chemicals that help grow new brain cells are also increased after exercise, and could also explain improvements in memory. (Erickson et al, 2010)
The hippocampus is thought to play a major role in memory formation. Building a stronger hippocampus could help build stronger memory.
AND THERE'S MORE...
Prevent Cognitive Disease, Like Alzheimer's
Diseases associated with cognitive decline, like dementia, are a major concern as we get older.
According to the Alzheimer's Association (Facts and Figures, 2015), in the US, 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer's/dementia, someone develops the disease every 65 seconds, and by 2050 it is projected that nearly 14 million Americans will have Alzheimer's.
So far, there is no cure, or completely effective medications to fight Alzheimer's. But there is a way we may be able to resist it.
"…physical activity has been identified as a protective factor against cognitive impairment…and the most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease." (Intlekofer & Cotman, 2012)
The cognitive areas of the brain that benefit most from exercise are the same areas that are affected by Alzheimer's disease. Building a bigger, stronger brain through physical activity may help protect you from the effects of Alzheimer's.
According to the Alzheimer's Association (Facts and Figures, 2015), in the US, 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer's/dementia, someone develops the disease every 65 seconds, and by 2050 it is projected that nearly 14 million Americans will have Alzheimer's.
So far, there is no cure, or completely effective medications to fight Alzheimer's. But there is a way we may be able to resist it.
"…physical activity has been identified as a protective factor against cognitive impairment…and the most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease." (Intlekofer & Cotman, 2012)
The cognitive areas of the brain that benefit most from exercise are the same areas that are affected by Alzheimer's disease. Building a bigger, stronger brain through physical activity may help protect you from the effects of Alzheimer's.
What Kind of Exercise Should You Do?
Good news! You don't have to spend hours doing a grueling, high intensity workout.
Walking 1 mile per day, or even leisurely activities twice a week can lower the risk of Alzheimer's. (Intlekofer & Cotman, 2012)
This can be done by walking the mall with a group of friends every morning, or something as simple as gardening a couple of times a week. These are activities that most seniors are capable of doing, and it can be something enjoyable.
The point is to JUST KEEP MOVING! The more, the better, but any physical activity can help, as long as it's done regularly.
Walking 1 mile per day, or even leisurely activities twice a week can lower the risk of Alzheimer's. (Intlekofer & Cotman, 2012)
This can be done by walking the mall with a group of friends every morning, or something as simple as gardening a couple of times a week. These are activities that most seniors are capable of doing, and it can be something enjoyable.
The point is to JUST KEEP MOVING! The more, the better, but any physical activity can help, as long as it's done regularly.
For more information on a variety of topics related to aging, including physical activity, visit the National Institute on Aging website
For more specific information and support resources for Alzheimer's Disease, visit the Alzheimer's Association website