Regular Exercise Also Strengthens Brain Function

Although healthcare advances extend lifespan, cognitive brain functions decline rapidly with age and genetic predisposition. According to the 2016 World Alzheimer Report, 47 million people worldwide have dementia, commonly called senility. This number is projected to triple by 2050.

Alzheimer’sand dementia greatly reduce quality of life and create dependence on outside help. Published research shows regular strength exercise improves brain function.

The Study

Among people over 55 with mild cognitive impairment, 100 were grouped into strength and brain exercise versus no exercise. Strength training involved 6 months of lifting weights 2 times weekly at %80 of individual maximum capacity.

Increased Muscle Strength Improved Brain Function, Showing That Strengthening the Body Also Benefits the Brain

Exercise also improves selective attention, planning, organization and multitasking. Aging shrinks the hippocampus, while exercise enlarges its anterior portion by %2, supporting long-term memory.

After 6 Months of Regular Exercise, fMRI Showed Improved Cognitive Function

Previous research found high activity, maximum oxygen capacity and aerobic exercise improve brain function and reduce Alzheimer’s risk.

Researchers emphasized frequent vigorous training, at least twice weekly, as key to achieving maximum brain benefits.

Exercise should become a lifestyle because it protects against prevalent cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity and cancer and also improves brain function. It is recommended for those at risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s (among dementia patients, %8 develop Alzheimer’s within 6 years). Intensity should challenge and build strength without being destructive.

On the anniversary of his death, we commemorate our Republic’s founder Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, whom we deeply respect, love and miss, with research recalling his words: “A sound mind is found in a sound body.”