Jan 5, 2023
Ready to boost your cognitive agility and embrace a healthier brain?
Keeping your mind sharp is key to a fulfilling, independent life. Up-to-date research underlines the vital role a brain-boosting lifestyle plays in reducing the risks linked to dementia. Remarkably, regular physical workouts have been found to slash dementia risks by a solid 40% (1). In this article, we're going to spotlight the amazing perks of physical activities - particularly walking, running, and jogging - in strengthening your cognitive health and keeping dementia at bay.
So, lace up your sneakers and let's stride!
The Magic of Movement: Physical Activity and Cognitive Fitness Uncovered
The fascinating link between physical activity and cognitive sharpness has captivated scientists for many years (2). Plenty of research suggests that getting your body moving regularly is a win-win situation, benefiting not just your physical health, but your brain health too (3). But what's the secret behind this connection?
Well, it's mainly about blood flow. When you exercise, more blood rushes to your brain, bringing along a cocktail of vital nutrients and oxygen. This helps brain cells thrive and function at their best (4). Also, physical activity triggers the release of a special protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Think of BDNF as a kind of superfood for your neurons, helping them grow, stay healthy, and survive longer (5).
Exercise also acts like a shield, guarding your brain against inflammation and oxidative stress, both notorious villains that can trigger cognitive decline and scary conditions like Alzheimer's (6). On top of that, physical activity encourages your brain to create new cells, a process known as neurogenesis. This helps keep your cognitive abilities sharp and protect against the mental wear and tear that comes with age (7).
Here's a fascinating fact that shows how powerful physical activity can be: older adults who make exercise part of their routine have a 38% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to those who prefer the couch to the gym (8).
In the next part, we're going to zoom in on the specific benefits of walking, running, and jogging for keeping your brain in tip-top shape and reducing dementia risk.
Walking, Running, And Jogging: The Building Blocks Of A Brain-Healthy Lifestyle
Walking, running, and jogging are simple but potent exercises that can remarkably enhance cognitive health and cut down dementia risks. These activities are inclusive, catering to all ages and fitness stages, making them perfect to blend into a brain-healthy lifestyle.
a) Pumping Up Brain Power with Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic activities like walking, running, and jogging have been proven to refine various cognitive aspects, including memory, attention, and executive functions such as decision-making and problem-solving (9). A fascinating study discovered that adults who consistently engage in aerobic workouts witness a boost in overall cognitive function over six months, compared to their non-exercising counterparts (10).
b) Boosting Brain Flexibility and Encouraging New Brain Cells
These exercises also foster neuroplasticity, which is the brain's incredible ability to adapt and restructure itself when faced with new experiences and challenges (11). This enhanced brain flexibility helps maintain cognitive capabilities and stave off decline. What's more, walking, running, and jogging have been recognized to stimulate neurogenesis, the creation of new neurons, especially in the hippocampus, a brain area vital for learning and memory (12).
c) Melting Stress Away and Uplifting Mental Well-being
Consistent physical activities like walking, running, and jogging have been documented to melt away stress and anxiety levels, leading to improved overall mental wellness (13). These exercises can trigger the release of endorphins, your body's natural mood boosters, which help to soothe stress and elevate mood (14).
d) Diminishing Dementia Risk via Regular Exercise
As we noted earlier, older adults who stay physically active face a 38% reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to their inactive peers. Additionally, a meta-analysis of 15 studies found that individuals engaging in at least low-to-moderate levels of physical activity have a 35% lower risk of developing cognitive impairment (15).
e) Fostering Healthy Aging and Cognitive Resilience
Regularly lacing up your shoes for a walk, run, or jog throughout your life can contribute to a concept called "cognitive reserve" (16). This refers to the brain's toughness and ability to deal with age-related changes and damage. It allows individuals to maintain cognitive function despite the presence of disease or injury.
In our fast-paced, tech-saturated lives, we often overlook the importance of self-care and staying active. Yet, giving priority to our health and making deliberate decisions for cognitive wellness is a must. Luckily, the rise of modern apps and digital tools makes the path to a healthier brain a lot more achievable.
Now that we know about the transformative effects of physical activities on human mind, check out this article about the tips to weave daily healthy habits like walking, running and jogging into daily life.
For useful tips to weave these activities into your daily life, check out this article.
Next Blog: Join the Movement: A Step-by-Step Guide to Walking, Running, and Jogging for Beginners
References & Resources
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(17)31363-6/fulltext
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352154615000157
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20831630/