Boost Your Brain Health: Exercise and Cognitive Function
You've probably heard that exercise is good for your body, but did you know it can also make your brain sharper? With more and more people experiencing memory problems and dementia, it's essential to explore how exercise can help keep our minds healthy. According to the World Health Organization, around 10 million new dementia cases occur each year, making it a worldwide concern (World Health Organization, n.d.). Recent research has uncovered a powerful connection between exercise, especially aerobic exercise, and brain health.
What is Aerobic Exercise?
Aerobic exercise is any physical activity that gets your heart pumping faster and makes you break a sweat. Think about activities like brisk walking, cycling, running, hiking, or even cross-country skiing. It's crucial to find an aerobic exercise that you enjoy and can do comfortably while getting your heart rate up.
Exercise and Your Brain
A groundbreaking study carried out by the University of British Columbia demonstrated that regular aerobic exercise plays a pivotal role in maintaining brain health. The study's findings indicate that aerobic exercise can lead to an increase in the size of the hippocampus, the region of the brain responsible for learning and memory (Goodman, 2014). This discovery shows the potential for exercise to boost cognitive functioning and potentially mitigate the risk of cognitive decline as a person ages.
The Benefits of Aerobic Exercise:
Reduced Inflammation: Regular aerobic exercise has been shown to lower inflammation levels in the body. Chronic inflammation is associated with various health issues, including cognitive decline. By reducing inflammation, aerobic exercise helps maintain overall health, including brain health (Goodman, 2014).
Growth Factors: Aerobic exercise stimulates the release of growth factors in the brain. These factors play a critical role in brain plasticity, which is the brain's ability to adapt and change over time. Enhanced brain plasticity can lead to improved cognitive function and long-term brain health (Goodman, 2014).
Choosing the Right Exercise
Not all types of exercise have the same benefits for your brain. While aerobic exercise has shown great potential in keeping your brain sharp, other types like weight training don't offer the same advantages. So, it's important to pick the right kind of exercise.
Researchers are still figuring out the exact amount of exercise needed for a supercharged brain. But, as of now, it's recommended to aim for at least 120 minutes of aerobic activity every week. The key is to find what works for you and fits into your routine. You don't need to become a marathon runner, but regular brisk walks or bike rides can do wonders for your brain.
To learn more about how you can improve your brain health through exercise and proper nutrition, schedule a visit with one of our dedicated primary care doctors today.
References
Goodman, H. (2014, April 9). Regular exercise changes the brain to improve memory, thinking skills . Harvard Health Publishing. Heidi Godman.
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Dementia. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia.