Memory Maximizer: Slowing Brain Aging; Protecting Memory and Brain Health
Being Physically Active Slows Brain Aging
Brain volume tends to shrink as we get older, regardless of health, diet, exercise, stress, sleep or other factors. But in a recent report from the American Academy of Neurology, the amount of physical activity you engage in may help slow the loss of brain volume and essentially slow brain aging. In a study of 1,557 people, average age 75, researchers divided the participants into three categories: those who were inactive; those who were somewhat active (roughly two and a half hours of low-intensity exercise, one and a half hours of moderate exercise, or one hour of high-intensity exercise); and those who were the most active (at least seven hours of low-intensity physical activity, four hours of moderate physical activity, or two hours of high-intensity exercise). Using brain scans that measured brain volumes, the researchers found that the people who were the most active had, on average, greater brain volume than people in the other groups. The loss of brain volume is associated with a higher risk of dementia. While the study didn’t prove exercise prevents or slows brain shrinkage—it just showed an association—researchers noted that the study built on previous studies that demonstrated how physical activity may protect against loss of brain volume. One other encouraging note from the study is that the type of activity can be anything you enjoy doing that gets you up and moving. The researchers noted some of the most active study participants spent much of their time walking, gardening, swimming, dancing, bicycling, and performing other simple, common leisure-time activities. The key is to pick an activity or combination of activities and devote at least a few hours a week to them.
Curiosity May Help Protect Memory and Brain Health
Always fascinated with the stars and wanted to take up amateur astronomy? Never stopped wondering whether you could learn a new language or a new musical instrument? New research suggests that maintaining your curiosity later in life may just help preserve memory and thinking skills. In a study of non-biological risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), scientists in Switzerland found that several notable traits are associated with a lower risk of developing this common form of dementia. Among the personality traits associated with lower AD risk are curiosity and open-mindedness. This wasn’t too surprising, as an ongoing desire to learn has been shown to be protective against brain aging. The study didn’t reveal what helpful biological mechanisms in the brain are activated by curiosity, but researchers said learning more about personality traits and their association with AD risk could help doctors better personalize treatments and preventive guidelines. One possible explanation supporting curiosity as a protective trait is that having a curious nature may make a person more likely to engage in challenging activities that stimulate and strengthen the connections between brain cells. Researchers said they couldn’t determine the protective effects of developing a greater sense of curiosity later in life, but they did say it can only be helpful to remain curious about the world for as long as you can. The study was published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging.
Related post: “Meals for Better Memory: Know the Nutrients You Need for Sharper Thinking“
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