Exercise doesn’t just get you fit; it sharpens your memory too. Recent research highlights that a workout session can enhance your cognitive abilities for up to a day.
For years, we’ve known that staying active is good for your heart and sleep. Now, it seems exercise could also give your memory a boost lasting 24 hours. A study conducted by the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity delved into this intriguing link between physical activity and mental sharpness by tracking 76 individuals aged 50 to 83. These participants wore activity trackers for eight days and underwent daily cognitive tests. It turned out that those engaging in more moderate to vigorous exercise outperformed others in memory tests the day after a workout session.
Interestingly, simply moving more also seemed to help. Participants who spent more time on their feet and caught six extra hours of sleep scored higher on memory tests. “In older adults, understanding factors that support cognitive function is crucial,” says Mikaela Bloomberg, the study’s lead author from University College London. The study opens doors to exploring ways everyone, particularly seniors, can maintain their mental acuity.
So, what triggers this brain boost? Several factors could be at play. Mikaela Bloomberg explains that exercise improves blood flow and stimulates neurotransmitters, which support cognitive functioning. “Exercise also encourages new neuron growth in the hippocampus – a key brain region for memory and learning,” shares Dr. Vernon Williams, a neurologist at Cedars-Sinai. Additionally, exercise promotes neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to reorganize and create new pathways, and reduces inflammation linked to mental decline.
You might wonder how much exercise you need to experience these benefits. While the study didn’t define a specific amount, Bloomberg mentions that doing more than your usual activity level was key. So, adding an extra five minutes to your workout routine could keep you mentally sharp for the next day. Furthermore, being less active than usual was tied to diminished memory performance.
Bloomberg cautions that while the study was small, the findings can be applied in practical ways. For older adults, maintaining an exercise routine could boost memory and keep them mentally fit. And for those facing an impending exam or presentation, exercising the day before might just be the secret to enhancing memory. Dr. Williams emphasizes the importance of consistent exercise, noting that it likely provides cognitive stimulation that bolsters brain health over time.
What type of exercise is best for memory improvement? According to the study, moderate-intensity activities such as brisk walks, cycling, or jogging are beneficial. However, intense exercises like high-intensity interval training have also been found to support various cognitive functions. Bloomberg notes that the research strongly advocates for staying active as you age, as it supports not only physical but also mental well-being.
This study reinforces the broad benefits of exercise. It’s not just about strengthening muscles or losing weight, but also about maintaining and enhancing brain function. Incorporating even a small amount of increased physical activity into your daily routine can be a simple yet effective way to boost your memory and mental agility for the hours that follow.
Source: Yahoo
