Exercise More Forget Less

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

13 Sep 2008 06:54 PM

A new study says adding even a few minutes of exercise to your daily routine can help improve your memory and brain function by a measurable amount.

We all know exercise can help us lose weight, relieve stress and boost energy, but this particular study set out to prove that engaging in moderate exercise ("moderate" being the operative word here, and I will explain why in just a bit) may also be used as a weapon in the fight against diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's.

The study included more than 1,700 adult participants aged 65 and older who didn't have dementia at the start of the experiment. The study followed the participants over six years and found that those who exercised at least three times per week were a third less likely to develop dementia or Alzheimer's. (Keep in mind dementia doesn't affect all aging adults, though it is common among the elderly. Likewise, while Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia in older adults, it does not affect all the elderly.)

According to researchers, they randomly assigned older adults at increased risk of dementia into either a 24-week exercise program or an education program. Those enrolled in the exercise program were encouraged to create a fitness regime to include three, 50-minute work out sessions per week. The participants were then evaluated every 18 months. In the end, the study found that the elderly research participants who exercised on a regular basis scored better on cognitive tests.

Addressing the level of activity I mentioned earlier--researchers say it is important to point out that the participants only engaged in moderate, low impact physical activity (mainly short strolls) yet even that degree of physical activity helped delay the onset of dementia by about a year. Examining the study results, researchers concluded that if you want to stay mentally fit it's a good idea to stay physically fit as well.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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