Sports not only improve strength and endurance. According to researchers, even moderate exercise can boost brain performance.
Thinking, perceiving, perceiving, communicating, remembering and deciding: Our brain is the most important control center of the body. The healthier it is, the more effectively we can live our lives. However, with age, most people's cognitive abilities decline. The reason for this is not only normal aging processes, but also diseases such as Alzheimer's or dementia. A healthy lifestyle is very important to ensure that the brain functions perfectly. According to scientists at Washington University in St. Louis Physical exercise in particular ensures that we stay healthy and active as we age.
Exercise improves blood flow to the brain
As part of the current study A research team led by Cyrus Raji examined the relationship between physical activity and the size of certain areas of the brain responsible for memory and learning. To do this, scientists analyzed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans from 10,125 test subjects. The results were published in the journal Science.Journal of Alzheimer's Disease“Published.
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Conclusions: Regular exercisers showed significantly larger volumes in some brain regions. The game doesn't have to be serious. According to researchers, even moderate exercise has a positive effect on cognitive function.
Going for a walk will have a positive effect
“We found that even the moderate level Physical activity – for example, taking fewer than 4,000 steps per day – has a positive effect on brain health,” explained David Merrill. Pacific Neuroscience Institute Brain Health Center in St. LouisCo-author of the study, Standard.at reported.
The effects were primarily seen in brain regions such as the frontal lobe and hippocampus, which are important for decision-making. The hippocampus is responsible for forming memories and therefore plays an important role in diseases such as Alzheimer's. According to the researchers, the total amount of gray and white brain matter increased significantly. These are responsible for information processing and connections between brain regions.
Exercise your cardiovascular system and brain through sports
Sports stimulate the cardiovascular system and promote oxygen delivery to the muscles. Blood flow to the brain and the production of certain proteins associated with neural activity are also promoted. According to scientists, these nerve growth factors make it easier Seagan University The appearance of new connections, especially in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus. Previous studies have shown that sports training improves cognitive performance.
The present study also confirms this. According to the researchers, the results are further evidence that physical activity can improve memory and learning ability. Cyrus Raji explains that this is even more important as we age. After a certain age, the chance of neurodegenerative diseases increases. A larger size of certain brain regions may delay the cognitive decline that accompanies Alzheimer's, for example.
This article contains only general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It does not replace a doctor's visit in any way. Unfortunately, our editorial team cannot answer individual questions about medical conditions.