After a study claimed that moderate aerobic exercise helps in enhancing memory, yet another advantage seems to be making rounds. As per scientists at Mayo Clinic, any form of exercise that causes the heart to pump may cut down the risk of dementia and delay its development if it has already begun.
Professionals have noted the contribution of aerobic exercises in sustaining cognitive capacities and inferred that it ought to be considered as an important approach to treat dementia. Exercise in this study refers to aerobic physical activity where the heart rate tends to increase and inflates the body’s oxygen requirement. Some of the examples are walking, gym workouts and household activities like moving snow or collecting leaves.
“We culled through all the scientific literature we could find on the subject of exercise and cognition, including animal studies and observational studies, reviewing over 1,600 papers, with 130 bearing directly on this issue. We attempted to put together a balanced view of the subject,” quoted J. Eric Ahlskog, M.D., Ph.D., a neurologist at Mayo Clinic.
He believes that using exercise as a disease modifying strategy to prohibit dementia and mild cognitive impairment is compelling. Brain imaging studies have shown the positive influences of exercise on human brain integrity. Notably, animal studies have presented that exercise apparently produces trophic variables that enhance brain functionality and induce neuroplasticity too.
Some more trials may be required to affirm the relation between exercise and cognitive function. Nevertheless, the investigators urge people to exercise, specifically those facing or concerned about cognitive issues. Dr. Ahlskog concludes that exercise is an important avenue not just for maintaining general health but even cognitive health.
The study is published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings.