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Brain Gain

Physical fitness may benefit memory

By Peggie Evans

Research shows that physical exercise benefits your brain in many ways by boosting memory and cognition and coun-
tering brain shrinkage.

Physical exercise isn’t just about significant benefits the brain gets from an editorial in “Neurology” that aerobic
keeping your body fit. Exercise aerobic exercise and other physical activity should be included in physical
also helps boost your memory and activity. Older adults who exercise also therapy for patients with the disease
other cognitive functions and protects get significant benefits for their aging because of its protective effect on the
your brain in multiple ways. brains, research shows. brain.
There’s a vast and growing body
of medical research that shows the A recent study found that older men who Aerobic exercise helps maintain brain
were physically fit could make rapid connections, counters brain shrinkage
Fitness Center suggestions decisions and also maintain focused and provides other benefits to the brain,
for brain health attention similar to much younger research shows. Other physical exercise
Cardio Sculpt people. The study, which was published in also can benefit the brain.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday “NeuroImage” and included brain scans of
9:15 a.m. • TD older men, found an association between According to a recent study, older women
Aqua Intervals higher aerobic fitness and improved who lifted weights twice weekly were
Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. • TD cognitive function. found to have significantly less shrinkage
Short Ride of the brain’s white matter, which
Tuesday, Thursday In another recent study, it was found that transmits messages, and also had fewer
1:30 p.m. • CC muscular fitness as measured by strong lesions in the white matter. The weight
Basic Kickboxing legs correlated with better memory and lifting also improved the women’s walking
Monday, 1 p.m. • TD other cognitive functions and also more ability. Women who lifted weights only
Meditation brain volume. The study of older female once weekly or performed only balance
Thursday, 3:15 p.m. • TD adult twins, with an average age of 55, and tone exercises did not get the same
concluded that improving leg power may benefits to their brains, the study found.
ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG improve cognitive aging.
To help your brain stay fit, get moving and
A regular program of aerobic exercise exercise with brisk walking, swimming,
may slow the progression of Parkinson’s weight lifting and other exercise that you
disease, including dementia, according enjoy. The more aerobic exercise you can
to a neurologist at the Mayo Clinic. Dr. do, the better.
Eric Ahlskog recently made the case in
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