New research supports the hypothesis that improving people’s fitness may improve their brain health and slow down the aging process | Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease | via ScienceDaily
A new study has provided more evidence to suggest that exercise improves brain health and could be a lifesaving ingredient that prevents Alzheimer’s disease. Published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, the study suggests that the lower the fitness level, the faster the deterioration of vital nerve fibres in the brain.
This deterioration results in cognitive decline, including memory issues characteristic of dementia patients.
The research focused on a type of brain tissue called white matter, which is composed of millions of bundles of nerve fibres used by neurons to communicate across the brain.
Older patients at high risk to develop Alzheimer’s disease and who had early signs of memory loss, or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were enrolled. The researchers determined that lower fitness levels were associated with weaker white matter, which in turn correlated with lower brain function.
Further detail at ScienceDaily
Full reference: Ding, K. et al. | Cardiorespiratory Fitness and White Matter Neuronal Fiber Integrity in Mild Cognitive Impairment | Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, Vol 61 (2): 729 – 739
