Kenneth Gardner

Whatever you do to improve your physical health may actually 'go to your head', according to Dr. Antonio Convit of the New York University School of Medicine. Recent studies indicate that a simple exercise routine helps put the brakes on memory loss. Originally, we all thought that we were born with a brain that degenerated as we aged, but now studies conclude that there are many triggers that make parts of the brain regenerate themselves. One of those triggers can be linked to your physical fitness.

Cardiovascular exercises, normally done over a longer period of time than other exercise, tend to reduce the amount of brain tissue that you lose as you age. Therefore, what's good for the heart is actually good for the brain! Exercise also helps to control blood sugar levels, and a recent study has found that those with impaired glucose tolerance tend to have a smaller hippocampus (area of the brain that controls memory formation processes). Moderate cardiovascular exercise, such as a brisk 30 minutes walk a few times a week, should do the trick.

New brain cells

Exercise boosts brainpower by building new brain cells in the region of the brain that deals specifically with memory and memory loss. Exercise also helps to increase the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain and also boosts self-confidence. It may also reduce anxiety and depression. Numerous studies have also shown that exercise increases alertness and helps people to think more clearly. Therefore, it is safe to say that regular exercise couldhelp you remember the name of the person you met yesterday or exactly where you left the keys to your car.

Other research suggests that increased oxygen flow to the brain may help to improve mental sharpness and reaction time. On the other hand, results from a series of studies undertaken with elementary school children indicate a strong relationship between academic achievement and fitness levels. Results show that physically-fit children identified visual stimuli faster than others and their brain activation patterns provided evidence that they allocated more cognitive resources toward the task and processed information faster.

Review your diet

Exercise should, of course, be considered alongside your diet. The effect of exercise on cardiovascular fitness and blood glucose level is a counter-weight to the effect diet has had in inducing impaired glucose tolerance and cardiovascular problems. Interestingly, studies have shown that both healthy diet and regular exercise are helpful in preventing and reducing cognitive decline. Both diet and exercise are important factors in physical and mental health.

Kenneth Gardner is an exercise physiologist at the G.C. Foster College of Physical Education: email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.