Although there is consensus that physical movement and exercise in general are generally beneficial, scientists continue to make intriguing advances into the details of the relationship between physical activity and quality of health.
A German research team has found that even small changes to regular physical activity, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, can help counteract age-related volume loss in the areas of the brain responsible for fighting disease.
Sports and old age
Research has shown how exercise can help combat some of the effects of aging, including studies showing that regular physical activity can keep the heart flexible, reduce mild cognitive impairment, and stimulate hormones that protect against disease, says New Atlas, citing Neurology. Alzheimer’s and dementia.
A team of scientists at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) sought to add more evidence to this growing body of scientific evidence, by looking at the effects of exercise on specific areas of the brain.
areas of physical activity in the brain
For his part, the study’s lead researcher, Fabian Fuchs, says: “In previous research, it was usual to look at the brain as a whole. But the goal of the latest study was to take a more detailed look at the brain and find out which areas of the brain are responsible for physical activity that affect the most. “.
The researchers drew on data from a population study of more than 2,500 people aged 30 to 94, including analyzing brain volume and cortical thickness through MRI and evaluating their physical activity, with the subjects wearing the accelerometer on their thigh for seven days.
remarkable effect
“We were able to show that physical activity had a marked effect on almost all of the brain regions examined,” Fox said. “In general, we can say that the higher the physical activity and the intensity, the larger the brain regions, in terms of size or thickness of the cortex, on In particular, these changes have been observed in the hippocampus, which is the control center of memory. Larger brain sizes offer better protection against neurodegeneration than smaller ones.”
Inactive seniors
Inactive older adults could benefit the most, with scientists finding that the largest increases in volume were observed surprisingly, when comparing inactive people over 70 years of age with moderately active people.
Co-author Ahmed Aziz says: “In principle, it is very good news, especially for those who are reluctant to exercise. The results of our study suggest that even small behavioral changes, such as walking for 15 minutes per day or taking the stairs instead of the elevator, It may have a significant positive effect on the brain and potentially counteract age-related brain substance loss and the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Older adults, in particular, can already benefit from modest increases in low-intensity physical activity.”
Large amounts of mitochondria
Genetic analysis of the areas of the brain most affected by physical activity indicated that they are home to large amounts of mitochondria, which provide the body with energy but need a lot of oxygen to do so.
“Compared to other brain regions, this requires increased blood flow,” Aziz said. “This is particularly well ensured during physical activity, which could explain why these brain regions benefit from exercise.”
The analysis also revealed significant overlaps in genes affected by physical activity and those affected by diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, providing a possible explanation for the protective benefits of exercise against these types of conditions.
extra incentive
Fox adds, “With the findings, there is an additional incentive [لكي يهتم الجميع بأن يصبحوا] More Physically Active – to promote brain health and prevent neurodegenerative diseases,” explaining that “until [مجرد القيام] Modest physical activity can help. So it’s just a small effort – but it has a huge impact.”
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