With every new study, we’re learning more and more about how great it is to exercise at any age. A new study of middle-aged individuals has now found shocking information about exercise can affect your brain health.
From a sample of 59 adults, a little over half of the subjects between 43 and 65 years old were endurance-trained, and participated in exercise at least four times a week.
The group that exercised performed much better on cognitive and memory tests than those who live sedentary lifestyles. “Middle-age runners do not only have better cardiovascular function and health, but also enhanced cognitive performance particularly in the domains linked with age related cognitive decline and impairment,” said one co-author of the study.
So what’s the connection? It’s possible that the increased blood flow to the brain caused by exercise is what’s making these aging athletes so much smarter than their sedentary counterparts.
The conclusion of the study states that “Habitual aerobic exercise ameliorates vascular health, an effect which may further translate into improved cognitive performance.” Basically, if you exercise a lot, your brain is probably better off.
Though the sample size was small, the study is a good sign that there are more than just physical benefits to exercise in middle age. And though most of the athletes in the study were runners, you don’t have to run to enjoy the benefits of improved vascular health. Any aerobic exercise will do that just fine.
