Regular exercise can improve older people’s memory, even when practiced in their 50s or 60s, according to a new UK study.
- Exercising one to four times a month can protect memory for 30 years, researchers say.
- Regular physical exercise improves blood circulation in the brain, which leads to increased activity in areas of the brain associated with learning and memory.
- This can help prevent the onset of dementia.
According to a study conducted by researchers at University College London (UCL) in England, regular physical activity can increase memory capacity in seniors, even after 50 or 60 years. The study was published in the Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry section of the British Medical Journal (BMJ).
Memory: 30 minutes of physical activity 1 to 4 times a month is enough
The research team observed the exercise habits of 1,400 volunteers for 30 years and, according to their results, practicing physical activity one to four times a month could protect memory abilities in old age. Researchers have called “exercise session” the practice of at least 30 minutes of physical activity such as jogging, swimming, football, dance, badminton, fitness, yoga, or a simple walk. fast.
Moderately active people scored higher on memory tests than those who exercised less frequently. The researchers also concluded that exercising once a month could protect memory for 30 years. “Our study provides evidence to encourage inactive adults to be active, even to a small degree, at any point in adulthood,” said UCL researcher Dr Sarah-Naomi James.
Dementia: exercise to prevent its onset
The results of the study are particularly important for older people who face a decline in their cognitive and memory abilities. Indeed, improving memory and cognition through physical exercise can prevent the onset of dementia and thus improve the quality of life of seniors.
Trials are currently underway to confirm that staying fit does indeed delay the onset of dementia. The most common hypothesis in the scientific community is that regular physical exercise improves blood circulation in the brain, which leads to increased activity in brain areas associated with learning and memory.
