Joke as we may about misplacing our keys, there’s no denying that cognitive decline is a major concern for many of us.
Luckily, recent research shows that small, everyday actions can go a long way in protecting our cognitive function throughout the years. Here’s the lowdown on the latest study—and what its results mean for your brain health.
The Research
We know regular exercise benefits our health in many ways—and recent research confirms its positive effect on our brains.
In January, a new study published in Neurology found that moving throughout the day can improve your cognitive health and memory retention.
For the study, researchers measured the activity levels of almost 500 elderly people, almost 200 of whom had dementia. After the participants passed away, the researchers studied their brain tissue. Interestingly, they identified a number of differences between the brains of who moved daily and those who did not.
Their conclusion? Daily movers’ brains were in generally better condition.
“This study reinforces the evidence that regular physical activity is the closest thing we have to a ‘silver bullet’ for preventing dementia,” says David A. Merrill, M.D., Ph.D., neurologist and geriatric psychiatrist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California.
In fact, the study showed that even daily movers with buildup of Alzheimer’s-related compounds showed better memory retention than non-movers.
How? “Exercise may maintain the brain cells’ ability to connect and function, even in the face of other issues,” Merrill says.
Why This Study Matters
Ultimately, this research shows that “all forms of daily movement—from working out to washing the dishes—appear to ‘count’ towards the protective effect of physical activity on brain function,” says Merrill.
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This is great news—especially considering the increasing burden cognitive decline places on our elders, their families, and our healthcare system. “Loss of memory leads to functional disability,” Merrill says. “People cannot drive, balance their checkbooks, or work without memory.”
Since the causes of many cases of dementia are unclear, anything we can do to promote brain health is important.
The Takeaway
What do you do with this information? It’s simple: Get moving!
Of course, attending that daily spin or boot-camp class will get the job done. However, if you can’t schedule in a formal workout every day, spurts of activity throughout the day help, too.
“Parking further away from the building, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, going for a five-minute walk every hour at work, walking the dog in the evening—all these behaviors add up to better brain health,” encourages Merrill.
Your number-one priority: to move as much, as often, as possible throughout your day.
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