Everyday Movement Could Be a Powerhouse for Brain Health
New research suggests that even light physical activity might be a secret weapon against age-related cognitive decline. A recent study by Penn State University researchers found that simply engaging in everyday movement, like taking a brisk walk or playing with the kids, can provide short-term cognitive boosts equivalent to turning back the clock four years on brain aging.
The study, published in the journal Annals of Behavioral Medicine, involved 204 middle-aged adults who tracked their activities and cognitive performance via a smartphone app over a nine-day period. Participants completed brief brain games measuring mental speed and short-term memory several times each day.
The results were compelling: whenever participants reported being physically active in the hours leading up to a test, their performance on cognitive processing speed tasks improvement significantly. This benefit emerged regardless of the intensity of activity, suggesting that even light movement was enough to make a difference. As Jonathan G. Hakun, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Psychology, & Public Health Sciences at Penn State and lead author of the study noted, “"movement, whether it took the form of intentional exercise or part of a daily routine, was the essential ingredient for achieving this benefit.”
While this study focused on the immediate cognitive effects of movement, the implications are far-reaching. As Hakun explains, “As a rule, we get slower, both physically and mentally, as we age. While research on exercise and living a healthy lifestyle has demonstrated the long-term cognitive and brain health benefits of remaining physically active, much of this work has focused on the moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity."
This new research suggests that even everyday movement, often overlooked in favor of structured exercise, might significantly impact brain health. The study authors are now working to understand if these short-term mental improvements translate to long-term gains in brain health and reduced risk of dementia.
Hakun’s team is gearing up for more research, leveraging smartphone technology and wearable devices to capture detailed data on how subtle daily activities and experiences influence cognitive function. This approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of the intricate connection between everyday movement and brain health. Ultimately, they hope to identify individuals at risk for cognitive decline and develop new strategies for dementia prevention.
