Many older Americans suffer from cognitive decline, while many others stay sharp even at advanced age. A new study has uncovered a simple method that may reduce deteriorating mental function as one ages: exercise. The findings were published on September 17 in the journal PLOS ONE by researchers at the University of Illinois and the University of Iowa.
The study authors note that studies have shown that engaging in physical activity not only improves physical fitness but also has protective effects on brain structure and function, which can slow cognitive decline as one ages. They explain that disruption of axons and myelin in the brain’s white matter is thought to be one of the major factors underlying age-related cognitive decline. Axons are the portion of brain cells that connect with other brain cells. Myelin is the protective coating around nerve cells.
In order to clarify how exercise can promote cognitive function, they examined the association of both physical activity and cardiorespiratory function with measurements of white matter integrity. The study group comprised 88 healthy adults, aged 60 to 78 who had a low level of physical fitness. An accelerometer, a device that records motion, was used to measure their physical activity. With the accelerometer, they objectively measured sedentary behavior, light physical activity, and moderate to vigorous physical activity over a week. A brain imaging procedure, known as diffusion tensor imaging, was used to assess the quality of the subjects’ white matter. They found that that the more the subjects engaged in moderate or vigorous exercise, the fewer white-matter abnormalities. The researchers noted that their study suggested that avoiding a sedentary lifestyle by increasing physical activity could help preserve cognitive function.
The investigators also discovered that individuals who engaged in light physical activities, such gardening and housework, had less brain abnormalities in the temporal lobe of the brain, which is involve in memory and language. However, they also found an association between being sedentary and abnormalities in the brain connections to the hippocampus. The more sedentary individuals had more abnormalities in these connections.
Take home message:
Starting an exercise program just takes a little discipline. The key is to find one that you enjoy. Join a gym or buy a bicycle and ride with a group. Even regular walks around your neighborhood are beneficial. Exercise can improve you both physically and mentally. In addition, it can help shed excess pounds.
Credit : Dr. Esha Kaul (Hematologist, Oncologist and Bone Marrow Transplant Specialist 12 Years Experience)
