Exercise Keeps the Brain Young

Reviewing studies of the effects of exercise on brain function, study authors Arthur F. Kramer, PhD, Kirk I. Erickson, PhD and Stanley J. Colcombe of the University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign said in a press release, "Our review of the last 40 years of research does offer evidence that physical exercise can have a positive influence on cognitive and brain functions in older animal and human subjects." Findings from the review were presented at the 114th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association (APA).

Exercise Decreases Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease

Looking at epidemiologic studies, they found significant evidence that exercising decreased the risk of dementia later in life. Some studies showed a decrease in risk of Alzheimer's Disease for those who exercised for at least 15-30 minutes at a time three times a week.

Exercise Improves Brain Function

One four-year study found that 62-70 year olds who continued to work or who exercised had better scores in measures of cognition compared to inactive retirees. Kramer cautions that they don't yet know what is the cause and what is the effect, or which kinds of exercise are best.

Walk and Concentrate Better

A study that assigned older adults either to a walking group or a stretching/toning group found that those in the walking group were less distractible and could concentrate better.

"From this review we have found that physical and aerobic exercise training can lower the risk for developing some undesirable age-related changes in cognitive and brain functions," said Dr. Kramer in a press release, "and also help the brain maintain its plasticity - ability to cover one function if another starts failing later in life."

Source: Presentation: "Fitness Training and the Brain: From Molecules to Minds," Arthur F. Kramer, PhD, Stanley J. Colcombe, PhD, Kirk Erickson, PhD, and Paige Scalf, PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign. August, 2006.
Press Release