Researchers from UCLA and the University of Pittsburgh have found more support for the benefits of exercise on dementia.
They found that older, overweight and obese adults with high body mass index (BMI) ratings had significantly smaller brains than those of a healthier weight. The decrease in brain size was visible in the parts of the brain important for planning and memory and made the brains of these individuals appear about 16 years older than their actual age.
Blood flow is part of the reason why exercise seems to benefit brain health. To keep the brain healthy, it needs ample oxygen which comes from a continuous supply of blood. The more sedentary a person is, the slower the blood flow to the brain. This can cause mini strokes in the brain that a person may not feel physically.
If you find it hard to make exercise a habit, start small and work towards exercising 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. To jump-start your exercise routine, consider:
- Scheduling a time to meet up with friends for a morning or evening walk/jog
- Joining a dance class
- Creating an exercise log and put it in a place where you’ll see it often and be reminded of your progress
Exercise provides many health benefits, as long as you know what is safe for your body. Always discuss any exercise plans you develop with your health care provider.
Obesity is indeed a grave concern among people. Aprt from the so called effects on the brain, it also comes with a string of other health problems. Therefore, one should intake a healthy and balanced diet.
I completely agree with the comment posted by Valerie Hagan its a nice blog i expect more blog like this with their symptoms & solution.Nice one
This is not surprising! As we age our body does begin to break down after all.
If we are obese and our blood is not circulating efficiently our brain will be slowly reducing in functionality and simply stated it, is dying. Information highlighting the importance of a balanced lifestyle is not necessarily the single solution for individuals that are obese, self abusive, or avoid the healthy lifestyle through exercise and good sleeping patterns. As these people are often suffering other symptoms of neglect, self worth,isolation, poverty and poor housing choices. It appears simple to recommend exercise and good eating habits to a person that is depressed, socially inept and often alone, however the holistic approach must be undertaken to build on all aspects of human behavior and needs that match the expectations and or abilities of the individual.
Thanks for an interesting article. The issue of obesity is complex and not a simple solution. If there was we would not have this phenomenon throughout the western and now increasingly in eastern civilization. This article adds weight to the argument for a health balanced lifestyle, yet how we promote this message in a positive manner is the biggest question. Far too often the message is lost at the grass roots level and fear drives people to increased health issues and possible over eating.
That is the 3 time I have read that exercise helps your brain when you are older. I am 23 right now, I have not gotten too far out of shape to not be able to recover from the damaging effects of doing nothing.
Thank you
Chad