Exercise
Regular physical exercise is a primary factor for brain health. Regular exercise has a two-tiered protective effect. On the one hand, it strengthens neural connections and increases cerebral blood flow to the brain, leading to higher overall cognitive performance in populations that exercise regularly. On the other hand, it reduces the likelihood of cardiovascular disease, chronic stress, and poor sleep, which are all risk factors for cognitive decline. Exercise may be particularly helpful for those at high risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by staving off the neuropathology that eventually leads to symptoms of the disease. Although a lifelong habit of exercise is the most beneficial for brain health, it is never too late to start. Improvements to cognitive function and brain health can emerge after just a six month exercise program. Check out the NIH / NIA references below.
USEFUL LINKS
NIH / NIA Exercise Tips: Balance, Strength, Endurance, and Flexibility
NIH / NIA Cognitive Health Tips
NIH / NIA Exercise and Physical Activity Links
Psychology Today, Importance of Exercise with Genetic Predisposition for Alzheimer’s Disease
REFERENCES
Casaletto, K., Ramos‐Miguel, A., VandeBunte, A., Memel, M., Buchman, A., Bennett, D., & Honer, W. (2022). Late‐life physical activity relates to brain tissue synaptic integrity markers in older adults. Alzheimer's & Dementia, DOI: 10.1002/alz.12530
Boots, E.A., Schultz, S.A., Oh, J.M. et al. (2015). Cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with brain structure, cognition, and mood in a middle-aged cohort at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Brain Imaging and Behavior. 9, 639–649.
Tarumi, T., Patel, N. R., Tomoto, T., Pasha, E., Khan, A. M., Kostroske, K., Riley, J., Tinajero, C. D., Wang, C., Hynan, L. S., Rodrigue, K. M., Kennedy, K. M., Park, D. C., & Zhang, R. (2022). Aerobic exercise training and neurocognitive function in cognitively normal older adults: A one-year randomized controlled trial. Journal of internal medicine, 292(5), 788–803. https://doi.org/10.1111/joim.13534