Moderate physical activity performed during midlife or even later in life appears to be directly associated with a reduced risk for cognitive impairment. That is, exercise improves cognitive functions, it is healthy for your brain. In fact, there are studies that have explored the possibility that exercise can even reverse memory loss. Here are some frightening statistics, each year 10 to 15 percent of those who suffer mild cognitive impairment will develop dementia. Physical exercise may protect against the mild cognitive impairment these individuals suffer. This gives you even more motivation to consider interactive fitness.
Let’s delve a little further into these fascinating studies.
It was discovered that moderate exercise, such as aerobics, strength training and active gaming, has a positive effect on brain function. In fact, regular exercise during midlife can lead to a nearly 40 percent decrease in the development of mild cognitive impairment. Even moderate exercise late in life lowers your risk of developing mild cognitive impairment.
In a separate study, it was discovered that high-intensity workouts are enough to actually improve brain function. But the biggest benefit is that this can all happen without medications that are expensive and hold potentially dangerous side effects.
Exercising encourages your brain to work at its optimum capacity. When you exercise, nerve cells multiply and strengthen their interconnections, protecting them from damage. Exercise provides protective effects to your brain through other factors including greater blood flow to your brain, the production of nerve-protecting compounds and improved development of neurons. Regular exercise can also slow the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
To learn more about the benefits of a regular exercise program, check back with us in the near future.