3 weeks ago
Regular cardio exercise may lower Alzheimer's and dementia risk
Your brain loves it when you exercise, especially when you move enough to make your heart beat faster.
That kind of exercise is called cardio, like brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming.
Cardio sends more blood to your brain, giving brain cells the oxygen and food they need.
It also makes a special helper protein called BDNF, which some doctors call the brain's 'growth fertilizer.'
BDNF helps brain cells grow, fix themselves, and stay connected, which is how we learn and remember things.
Regular exercise can lower your chances of getting brain illnesses like Alzheimer's and dementia.
Some people think it is too late to start if you are older, but doctors say that is a myth.
Starting in midlife or even later still helps your brain stay sharp.
Lifting weights is good too, but doctors say cardio has stronger proof that it protects the brain.
Experts suggest about 150 minutes of gentle heart-pumping exercise each week, plus some strength training twice a week.
Neurosurgeon Arun Rajeswaran says cardio workouts are 'really good for your brain,' while gym and weight training are good for the back.
Studies cited in the article show increased cardiovascular fitness correlates with IQ, verbal ability, and memory.
Cardio stimulates production of BDNF, a protein that promotes the growth, repair, and survival of neurons.
Dr M. Narayana Swamy says it is never too late to start exercising, with significant brain benefits even when starting in midlife or later.
Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio each week plus strength training at least twice weekly for optimal cognitive health.
- Who
- Neurosurgeon Arun Rajeswaran and Dr M. Narayana Swamy, Director of Neurosurgery at PSRI Hospital.
- What
- Explained how regular cardiovascular exercise protects brain health and reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
- Where
- No specific location is stated, though Dr Swamy is affiliated with PSRI Hospital.
- When
- No specific date is stated in the article.
- Why
- To highlight scientific evidence linking cardiovascular fitness to memory, verbal ability, and a lower risk of cognitive decline.
Cardio Favored for Brain
Both Exercise Types Balanced
Which exercise is best for the brain
Cardio Favored for Brain
Arun Rajeswaran suggests cardio is really good for the brain, while gym and weight training is good for the back.
Both Exercise Types Balanced
Dr Swamy says both cardio and strength training benefit brain health, though cardio has stronger scientific evidence for reducing Alzheimer's and dementia risk.
Key facts
- Key experts
- Arun Rajeswaran (neurosurgeon) and Dr M. Narayana Swamy (Director, Neurosurgery, PSRI Hospital)
- Key protein
- BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), the brain's 'growth fertiliser'
- BDNF function
- Promotes the growth, repair, and survival of neurons
- Recommended cardio
- At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio each week
- Recommended strength training
- At least twice weekly
- Other benefits of cardio
- Reduces chronic inflammation, improves insulin sensitivity, lowers blood pressure, decreases obesity and diabetes risk
- Cardio examples
- Brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming
Quotes
Dr M. Narayana Swamy
Director, Neurosurgery, PSRI Hospital
““There are studies which have shown that increased cardiovascular fitness correlates directly with your IQ and your verbal ability and memory. This is also quite well studied that doing exercise will decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia.””
indianexpress.com
““Both cardio and strength training are beneficial for brain health, but cardio has stronger scientific evidence for reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.””
indianexpress.com
