Exercise is the best Anti-Ager
Can cardiorespiratory exercise, such as brisk walking, running, and biking, do more than just keep your body fit? According to a recent study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings by the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, there's compelling evidence linking cardiorespiratory fitness to brain health, particularly in crucial areas like gray matter and total brain volume, which are closely associated with cognitive function and aging.
Gray matter, consisting of cell bodies, and white matter, composed of filaments extending from these cells, make up the brain tissue. The volume of gray matter has been linked to various cognitive skills and abilities. The study revealed a strong correlation between increased peak oxygen uptake (a measure of cardiorespiratory fitness) and enhanced gray matter volume.
The research involved 2,013 adults from two independent cohorts in northeastern Germany, who were assessed between 1997 and 2012. Cardiorespiratory fitness was evaluated using peak oxygen uptake measurements during exercise bike tests, while MRI brain scans were used to analyze brain data.
The findings suggest that engaging in cardiorespiratory exercise could contribute to better brain health and slow down the decline in gray matter volume. An editorial accompanying the study, authored by Mayo Clinic experts, describes the results as "encouraging" and "intriguing," adding to the growing body of evidence linking exercise with brain health.
Dr. Ronald Petersen, a Mayo Clinic neurologist and lead author of the editorial, highlights the study's focus on the impact of exercise on cognitive brain structures, rather than just motor function. He emphasizes the potential benefits for older adults, indicating that aerobic exercise could positively affect cognitive function later in life.
The study's findings are particularly significant because they indicate higher gray matter volume in brain regions relevant to cognitive changes associated with aging, including those linked to Alzheimer's disease. However, the editorial warns against drawing direct conclusions about the effect of cardiorespiratory fitness on Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. Michael Joyner, a Mayo Clinic anesthesiologist and physiologist, and co-author of the editorial, emphasizes the importance of the study's volumetric data, which demonstrate an effect on brain structure. He underscores the existing epidemiological evidence supporting the protective role of physical activity against cognitive decline.
Although long-term studies on the exercise-brain health relationship are needed, Mayo Clinic experts recommend moderate and regular exercise, totaling about 150 minutes per week. They also stress the importance of other lifestyle factors, such as healthy eating, maintaining a healthy weight, managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and controlling blood sugar.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the profound impact of cardiorespiratory exercise on brain health, offering valuable insights into potential strategies for preserving cognitive function and combating age-related cognitive decline.
Be sure to talk with your in home personal trainer about how they can incorporate some of these components into your in-home senior fitness exercise routine!
