Health, Microbes, and More
Exercise is good for memory and the brain. University of Geneva researchers found that even one short bout of moderate or intense exercise improves memory and acquisition of new motor skills. In a well-designed study, 15 healthy volunteers exercised intensely for 15 minutes, moderately for 30 minutes, or rested, and were given various tests both ...continue reading "Some Intense Exercise Is Beneficial For The Brain"
Once again a study found benefits from exercise - specifically that regular exercise is better for the brain and for thinking skills (for "executive function"). Executive function is a person's ability to regulate his or her own behavior, pay attention, manage new information and unexpected challenges, to plan, organize, and achieve goals. Executive functioning can decline in older adults ...continue reading "Aerobic Exercise, Thinking Skills, and the Brain"
It's reassuring to see that there are positive things one can do to maintain brain health as one ages. With normal aging, the brain typically shrinks a little with each passing decade - starting from about the age of 40. But one recent Australian study, which reviewed the results of many other studies, found that ...continue reading "Exercise Is a Maintenance Program For the Brain?"
Once again, research supports that you should get off your butt and exercise! Or do a moderate to vigorous physical activity at least several times a week, which can include housework, gardening, dancing, swimming, or walking briskly. Most important is to MOVE. And why is this so important? Not just for physical health and prevention of certain ...continue reading "Older Adults, Exercise, and the Brain"
What happens to your brain when you stop exercising? The results of this Univ. of Maryland study should be a wake up call for those who are not quite convinced of exercise's health benefits to the brain. The researchers examined cerebral blood flow in athletes (ages 50-80 years, who were recruited from running clubs) before and ...continue reading "Stopping All Exercise and Blood Flow In the Brain"
Get out there and start getting active NOW - the earlier you start in life, the better for your brain decades later. All physical activity or exercise is good, including regular walks. From Medical Xpress: Regular exercise protects against cognitive decline in later years Regular exercise in middle age is the best lifestyle change a ...continue reading "Exercise Now to Protect Your Brain Decades From Now"
Exercise has health benefits at all ages! From Medical Xpress: Study indicates exercise sharpens the young adult brain Regular physical activity improves brain function even in young adults considered in their prime and at the height of cognitive ability, according to a new University of Otago study. They took 52 tertiary students, aged from 18 ...continue reading "Young Adults, Exercise, and Improved Brain Function"
Several more articles on the benefits of exercise. From Science Daily: Train your heart to protect your mind Exercising to improve our cardiovascular strength may protect us from cognitive impairment as we age, according to a new study. "Our body's arteries stiffen with age, and the vessel hardening is believed to begin in the aorta, ...continue reading "Exercise to Protect Your Brain"
Over the years the treatment of sports-related concussions has really changed. It used to be that the person was told to rest in a darkened room for several days, but lately research has been suggesting the opposite. A recent study found that after receiving a sports-related concussion, it is beneficial to engage in one 20 ...continue reading "Some Exercise After A Concussion In Athletes May Help Recovery"
Another study was just published with results that may motivate us to go outside more. A small study with college students found that taking a walk outside in nature results in more mental health benefits (improved brain functioning) than taking the same length walk inside. The walks were short - only 15 minutes long, and ...continue reading "Outside Walks May Have More Brain Health Benefits Than Inside Walks"