EXERCISE AND BETTER MENTAL FUNCTIONING

EXERCISE AND BETTER MENTAL FUNCTIONING
Regular physical activity also plays a positive role in overall mental functioning. Exercise appears to help keep mental processes sharp. The landmark McArthur Foundation Study on aging revealed that people who mental functions remained strong were active on a nearly daily basis.
A recent study in the Archives of Internal Medicine found a link between lack of physical activity and cognitive decline. The study followed nearly 6,000 women, age 65 and over, for six to eight years. Those who were most active had a 35%-37% lower rate of cognitive decline than the least active group. The researchers offered several possible explanations. Exercise promotes improved blood flow to the brain, which may help main brain function. Physical activity may also directly stimulate the growth of neurons. Exercise also promotes good lung function, a characteristic of people whose memories and mental acuity remain strong in old age. Finally, exercise reduces the risk for diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, which can lead to memory loss.
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