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To Remember, Exercise

Australian study shows exercise improves 'flawed memory'

By Gabriel Winant, Newser User

Posted Sep 3, 2008 4:26 PM CDT

(Newser) – A little sweatin' to the oldies might help oldsters with mild memory problems, an Australian study suggests. Volunteers who took part in “home-based physical activity” showed a “modest improvement in cognitive function" over those who did not. Results showed that just a few hours of walking per week improved mild cognitive impairment, the BBC reports.

Exercise is known to strengthen the cardiovascular system, which not only improves general health, but also “may help boost cognitive function by boosting blood supply to the brain.” The improvement lasted for months after the exercise stopped. Says one researcher, “Regular exercise is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of dementia and can help slow progression of the condition.”

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Move Hands Like Clouds ((c) Diana bella)

Wang Shizheng, 80, in Beijing, China, Saturday, June 21, 2008. The retired pilot has been exercising daily since the 1940s. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Grandma 2 ((c) maxintosh)

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Unlike medication, which was found to have no significant effect at 36 months, physical activity has the advantage of health benefits not confined to cognitive function--depression, quality of life, cardiovascular, and disability. - The study

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To Remember, Exercise