Recent research by the University of Miami and Columbia University has revealed what many have already suggested – moderate to intense exercise helps to keep your mind sharper and more focused. The study’s author, Clinton B. Wright, associate professor of neurology at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, says “moderate to intense exercise may help older people delay aging in the brain.”
The study, which was recently published in the online issue of Neurology, looked at more than 1,200 people and evaluated their performance on memory and thinking tests as well as MRI scans. After five years the memory and thinking ability of those who did more physical exercise deteriorated at a much slower rate than the others. In simple terms, a person who does more physical work has the memory and thinking capacity of someone who is 10 years younger!
“This is another study that provides more evidence that moderate to heavy physical activity is good for the brain,” says Wright. The average age of the participants was 71 when the study began. The study was funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke at the National Health Institute.
So, go for a jog, a walk, try a round of tennis, or take a yoga class and keep your brain young!
Source: Rabin, Charles. April 5, 2016. “A Little Bit of Exercise Goes a Long Way For Seniors.” The Florida Times-Union. Prime Time. D1.
