Light, Physical Activity Reduces Brain Aging
It is well known in the psychology field that participating in physical activity can lead to increasing your chances of living longer. While people are aware of the short term effects of physical activity such as maintaining weight, increased energy, and improved circulation, these people might be unaware of the long term effects such as reduced, and healthy brain aging. As discussed in the article, even light intensity level of physical activity can help improve aging. “Spending an hour participating in light intensity physical activity was associated with the equivalent of 1.1 years less brain aging. Every additional hour spent exercising was linked to higher brain volume” (Neuroscience News, April 2019). In the Framingham Heart Study, participants were asked to use Actical accelerometers, which would measure the total steps per day, the moderate to vigorous physical activity, the light-intensity physical activity, and sedentary time. Participants got an MRI test after the eight days of wearing the Actical accelerometer which showed the total cerebral brain volume, hippocampal volume, white matter hyperintensities volume, total white matter volume, total gray matter volume, cortical gray matter volume, and lateral ventricular volume. The Framingham Heart Study was able to estimate the number of years of brain aging that was associated with physical activity by using the reported association of age with total cerebral brain volume. Although we now know more information about brain aging, more studies need to be done to have an accurate duration and intensity level of the physical activity, also known as the optimal dosage, to promote this healthy brain aging.
The Framingham Heart Study relates to conversations in class and better yet, Brain Rules book by John Medina. Medina makes a couple of different points by saying that one of the greatest predictors of aging is the presence or absence of a sedentary lifestyle. He also noted that exercisers outperform non-exercisers in tests that measure long-term memory, reasoning, attention, and problem-solving skills. Just like in the article, the research Medina provides tells us that even walking 20 minutes a day can help reduce the risk of stroke and Alzheimer’s. If people really want to get the most out of physical activity, aerobic exercise is the way to go because it reduces the odds of getting Alzheimer’s by more than 60%. Many people may not know of the numerous ways physical activity benefits their body and simply might focus on the way it helps appearance; but if they were informed more about the short term and long term benefits, they might make the choice to engage in physical activity to help their body and mind for the present and future.
https://neurosciencenews.com/brain-aging-physical-activity-12018/
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2730790
Referring to the Brain Rules book it was also stated that by doing a small amount, at least 30 minutes a day, could actually help in the long term perspective. It was shown that people who exercised often were able to move around and function physically better than those who don't exercise on a daily basis. In another psych class (psych of aging) and in the book they both mention that people who exercise were able to perform better with long term memory, problem solving and attention skills. It is also known to be involved with some control of blood pressure. Overall exercise can be beneficial cognitively and physically.
ReplyDeleteJasmin,
ReplyDeleteAs a kinesiology major the positive effects of exercise on the human body are heavily emphasized in most of my coursework. In addition to its positive effects on brain aging, exercise has been shown to be as effective as medical treatment for managing a number of psychological disorders related to decreased brain volume including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Additionally, in a very broad range of populations (from amputees to stroke survivors) exercise has been demonstrated to improve a large number of positive cognitive markers including self efficacy and confidence. It almost can't be understated how critical physical activity is for optimal and healthy cognitive functioning.
Based on the Psychology of Aging class I took last semester, I learned that an elder individual who is still active and working out a few times a week is less likely to suffer from a stroke or heart attack, reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis, has better bone density and so on. An elder individual who is still active is constantly working their brain and body which also reduced their risk of developing dementia. Whereas elder individuals who do not partake in exercise are at a higher risk or suffering and or developing these things. The class I took, and this article remind me of my grandparents, my grandmother is extremely active for her age and constantly challenging herself and her capabilities. She exercises 4 times a week, walks her 4 dogs 3 times a day and is constantly working her brain by playing brain games on her phone. Whereas my grandfather is extremely inactive, eats unhealthy and smokes. He is extremely fragile and often bruises or breaks bones easily from everyday tasks that should be simple.
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