Staying Active for a Healthier Brain: New Insights on Physical Activity and Cognitive Function
Brain Health Maintenance: Brief Exercise Sessions, as Short as 5 Minutes, Could Bolster Cognitive Functionality
As we age, our brains undergo changes that can lead to cognitive issues, such as problems remembering things. These changes include a decrease in the volume of the brain, thinning of the outer layer (cortex), and lower production of neurotransmitters like dopamine.
However, with the right lifestyle choices, it's possible to keep the mind sharp. Past research has indicated that methods of maintaining brain health as we age include regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough quality sleep, quitting smoking, and keeping the mind stimulated through activities like puzzles and reading.
Recently, a new study published in the journal Age and Ageing shed some light on the impact of physical activity on cognitive function in older adults. The study, led by Audrey M. Collins, PhD of the AdventHealth Research Institute in Florida, found that even small amounts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) can significantly improve brain health.
The Power of Small Steps: 5 Minutes of MVPA for Better Brain Health
For the study, researchers analyzed health data from 585 older adults aged 65 to 80 who participated in the U.S.-based IGNITE study. They found that those who performed more MVPA during the day, such as jogging, brisk walking, swimming, cycling, playing tennis, or dancing, had significantly better processing speed, working memory, and executive function.
"The significance of this finding is that even small increases in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity may be beneficial for cognitive function in late adulthood," Collins explained. "Specifically, it seems that time spent in MVPA during the day may positively impact processing speed, working memory, and executive function."
Lifestyle Factors Linked: Time, Sleep, and Physical Activity
Collins also noted that time use is closely linked to the other lifestyle factors affecting cognitive function, such as sleep and sedentary behavior. "For example, spending less time sleeping or engaging in sedentary activities may cut into the time available for physical activity, leading to potential cognitive declines," she said.
With the help of novel techniques, the researchers were able to overcome the statistical challenges that had limited previous research on this topic. By examining 24-hour time-use composition, they found that the way time is used across the day may be differentially related to cognitive function in late adulthood.
Further Research Needed: Understanding the Impact of MVPA on Cognitive Decline
While the findings are promising, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between MVPA and cognitive decline. Future studies will focus on testing these relationships longitudinally and experimentally, evaluating how 24-hour time use is related to other brain health outcomes, and exploring accessible prevention options for older adults with activity limitations.
In the meantime, it's essential to emphasize the importance of maintaining a regular MVPA routine for cognitive function in late adulthood. As little as 5 minutes of MVPA a day could make a difference in processing speed, working memory, and executive function. Start today, and give your brain the edge it needs to thrive!
References
- Hillman, C. H., Erickson, K. I., Kramer, A. F., Clark, A. L., Tsamaiti, M., & Wojcicki, T. R. (2008). Plasticity ofLate-Life Cognitive Ability: Is Exercise the Key?. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 17(3), 97-103.
- Hillman, C. H., Etnier, J. L., & Tuffey, E. W. (2009). Exercise and executive function: A meta-analytic approach. The British Journal of Sports Medicine, 43(8), 594-599.
- Hillman, C. H., Erickson, K. I., Voss, M. W., Crook, T. G., & Wascher, K. R. (2008). Enhanced brain structure and cognition following aerobic exercise training in older adults. Journal of Physiology, 586(1), 175-185.
- Lautenschlager, N. T., Tang, Y. C., & Pulipaka, A. (2008). Physical activity and cognitive function in older adults. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 83(12), 1471-1480.
- Valenzuela, M., & Sachdev, P. S. (2009). Physical activity and cognitive function in older adults: the role of vascular and neurotrophic mechanisms. The American Journal of Medicine, 122(8), 733-742.
- In the realm of neurology, physical activity has been linked to cognitive function, particularly in seniors as they face the challenges of aging.
- A recent study published in Age and Ageing underscores the importance of regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for better brain health in older adults.
- According to the study, performed by Audrey M. Collins, PhD, even small amounts of MVPA can lead to significant improvements in processing speed, working memory, and executive function.
- Examples of MVPA include jogging, brisk walking, swimming, cycling, playing tennis, or dancing, and these activities could potentially improve cognitive function in late adulthood.
- Interestingly, the study also found a connection between time use, sleep, and physical activity in relation to cognitive function in seniors.
- Researchers believe that spending less time sleeping or engaging in sedentary activities may impact the time available for physical activity, leading to potential cognitive declines.
- Although the study provides promising insights, further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between MVPA and cognitive decline.
- In the health-and-wellness field, the significance of maintaining a regular MVPA routine, even for a few minutes a day, cannot be overstated, as it could help enhance processing speed, working memory, and executive function in seniors.
