When a person begins to think about cognitive decline and how to prevent it, there is an obvious focus on keeping the mind active. Crosswords, word searches, playing bridge--these are tasks related to cognitive function in a direct way because they have to do with language, memory, and attention. But, in fact, there are a number of studies demonstrating a strong link between physical exercise and cognitive performance in the elderly.
Physical Exercise and Cognitive Performance
In a 2009 study reported in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" (JAMA), participants with mild memory impairments were given either a control program and typical attention or a 6-month, home-based program of physical activity. Unlike the control group, the group engaged in the physical exercise program revealed improved cognitive function. Moreover, the benefits were long-lasting: improvements were noticed at 6 and 12 months after the physical activity program.
Similarly, in a 2010 study published in the "Archives of Neurology," it was reported that any frequency of moderate exercise performed in either mid-life (50 to 65 years) or late life (>65 years) is linked to reduced odds of having mild cognitive impairment(MCI).
While just two studies are mentioned here, the literature linking physical exercise and cognitive performance in the aging population is vast.
Defining Physical Exercise
Scientific findings can only be useful when they are described in terms of everyday experiences.
The 2010 study categorized exercise levels based on activities actually completed by the participants. Light exercise included bowling, leisure walking, stretching, dancing and golf. Moderate exercise included brisk walking, hiking, aerobics, strength training, swimming, yoga, weight lifting, golfing without a cart and moderate use of exercise machines Vigorous exercise included jogging, backpacking, bicycling, singles tennis, skiing and extended use of exercise machines.
Why Physical Activity?
Physical exercise promotes neurogenesis (the birth and development of new nerve cells) in memory regions of the brain. Moreover, it can aid the aging brain in retaining neuroplasticity (the ability of the brain to alter its capacities to accommodate need).
And, there are other benefits of physical activity: reduced risk of heart disease, coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, some forms of cancers, and mortality.
While it may be tempting to forego physical activity because it is tiresome or seemingly unrelated to the maintenance of a sharp mind, the opposite has proven to be true. Physical activity promotes systemwide blood flow and appears to be one of the most significant effect toward maintaining cognitive performance in the elderly.
References
- "Journal of American Medical Association"; Effect of physical activity on cognitive function in older adults at risk for Alzheimer disease: a randomized trial; N.T. Lautenschlager, et al.; January 2009
- "Archives of Neurology"; Physical exercise, aging, and mild cognitive impairment: a population-based study; Y.E. Geda, et al.; January 2010
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