Exercise and the Brain

The old stereotype of the dumb jock might not hold true when it comes to the Golden Years. Why? Because science.

In a recent study, sedentary senior citizens were placed into one of two groups, one of which participated in aerobic exercise three times a week. The participants' condition, resting cerebral blood flow, and cardiovascular fitness was then assessed after twelve weeks.

The conclusion? Data from the physical training group showed both improved memory performance and greater increases in brain blood flow to the hippocampus. According to the lead author of the paper, Sandra Chapman, PhD, "Physical exercise may be one of the most beneficial and cost-effective therapies widely available to everyone to elevate memory performance."

However, science, by nature, tends to produce more questions than answers. After reading the article, mine are the following:

• Can physical activity produce similar results in teens' developing brains?

• What parts of the brain communicate most often with the hippocampus?

• What genes are suspected of being responsible for diseases that cause mental deterioration such as Alzheimer's?

• What is the role of endorphins in increased mental activity?

These findings are particularly interesting to me, because, as a tri-sport athlete, I care a lot about staying in shape--both physically and mentally.

So as my PSA to all the people who get a discout at IHOP: If you don't want to exercise for the abs, do it for your anterior cingulate.

#neuroscience #exercisescience