Physical Exercise & the Brain

Exercise has great benefits for the brain.

Exercise can be beneficial to the brain as well as the body. Many studies have shown that the increased blood flow to the brain from exercise can stave off signs of dementia and increase mental awareness in people of all ages.

Productivity

Any person, either young or old, who exercises can increase their rate of productivity and academic achievement by improving the blood flow to their brain.

Cognitive Impairment

The January 2010 issue of Archives of Neurology published a study by Dr. Yonas Geda and colleagues which states that exercise in older adults can help decrease the chances of mental decline later in life.

Brain Improvement

In older adults who already possess mental impairment, exercise can help improve some of their cognitive abilities; a study supporting this fact by Dr. Laura Baker and colleagues was featured in the January 2010 issue of Archives of Neurology.

Stem Cells

As brains age, they produce fewer stem cells; exercise can help reverse this process by producing chemicals instrumental to new stem cells.

Physical Condition

Conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes can cause a loss of brain cells; exercise can help cure these conditions by increasing blood flow and metabolism while lowering stress and improving physical condition.

References

• MSN: Brain Productivity
• Science Daily: Stem Cells
• Oregon Live: Physical Condition

Resources

• Archives of Neurology: Cognitive Impairment
• Archives of Neurology: Brain Improvement