Walking to Re-Build Your Brain!
As little as 3 hours a week of brisk walking can reverse the brain deterioation brought on by aging. According to new research at the U of Illinois, aerobic exercise can increase the brain’s amount of “gray matter” – the neurons – as well as the brain’s “white matter” – the connection 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! Animals have demonstrated that older brains can show positive changes in response to exercise, diet, social and environmental stimulation.
The study from U. of Illinois is the first to find that exercise can actually reverse brain shrinkage and natural wear and tear that starts mid-life.
The 6-month research study had 59 sedentary volunteers (ages 60-79). They met 3 x/week – half did aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, while a control group did only non-aerobic stretching and toning exercises. Based on MRI scans the exercise group showed significant increases in brain volume, while the control group did not.
The areas especially responsible for memory and information-processing showed the greatest gains.
So, get out your walking shoes! Moderate exercise and especially brisk walking is easy to do and on top of keeping you fit – it may result in increased cognitive flexibility and the ability to lead independent lives for longer periods of time.
