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Exercising prevents brain shrinkage: A study
– Reported, October 31, 2012
Scientists in brain research at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland reported in the journal, Neurology, this month, about the significant effect of physical activity to prevent brain atrophy or shrinkage that leads to problems in thinking and remembering. Preventing brain shrinkage becomes another reason to exercise. It appears the aging brain benefits when older individuals take part in actively exercising.
The research led by Dr. Alan Gow, PhD of University of Edinburgh indicated in an interview with the Huffington Post that the study supports the positive results of physical activity on brain structure and adds to the growing evidence on factors impacting the aging brain. The study incorporated 691 subjects at the age of 70 years who underwent a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and answered questions as part of a mental examination.
Intellectual ability produced no effect on the structural effects in the brain in the research. The researchers found no benefit in performing mental exercises to offset changes in the brain. The study did find women showed less atrophy; whereas, individuals with a stroke history demonstrated more atrophy. Future research needs to determine if the physical activity represents better general health in an aging population.
According to the Journal of Applied Physiology, research on animals points to factors to explain the protective effect of exercise on the brain in elderly humans. These animal studies demonstrate the growth of new nerve cells and new blood vessels in the brains of older animals placed on exercise programs. The growth of new blood vessels improved learning and memory in the animal studies. These studies also indicate an increase in neurochemicals that promote survival and repair of brain cells. Future research is needed to discover the mechanism occurring in exercise that produces the positive effects on the aging brain in humans.
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