You\u2019ve taken to heart the recommendations to get \u2013 at a minimum – 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity a week in order to improve your physical fitness.<\/p>\n
What you may not realise is that with every step that you take, every kilometre you pedal or every lap that you swim around the pool, you\u2019re enhancing your cognitive fitness. A number of studies suggest that the activities you do in order to improve your body also benefit your brain.<\/p>\n
Physical exercise, as well as aerobic exercise specifically, is very beneficial in terms of maintaining brain health, even in individuals who are at risk for developing dementia in addition to Alzheimer\u2019s disease (AD). You are able to make a key difference in terms of how your body is operating and, as a consequence, how your brain is operating.<\/p>\n
Exercise assists with memory and thinking through both direct as well as indirect means. The advantages of aerobic<\/a> exercise come directly from its ability to lower insulin resistance, reduce inflammation in addition to stimulating the issuing of growth factors \u2014 chemicals in the brain which affect the health of brain cells, the development of new blood vessels in the brain as well as even the abundance and survival of new brain cells.<\/p>\n Indirectly, exercise enhances mood and sleep, in addition to reducing stress and anxiety. Problems in these areas often result in – or contribute to – cognitive impairment.<\/p>\n Many studies have made the suggestion that the parts of the brain which control thinking as well as memory (the prefrontal cortex as well as the medial temporal cortex) have a larger volume in individuals who exercise as opposed to individuals who don\u2019t.<\/p>\n Even more thrilling is the finding that engaging in a programme of regular exercise of moderate intensity – over a period of six months or a year – is associated with an increase in the volume of select brain regions.<\/p>\n Aerobic exercise is usually safe for most people. In order to avoid injuries<\/a>, it is always a good idea to discuss exercise regimens with a personal trainer or fitness consultant. People who suffer from chronic health conditions should check in with a doctor to find out if their exercise plan is suitable. In some instances, people with heart conditions or high blood pressure might need to avoid high intensity exercise.<\/p>\nSafety Of Aerobic Exercise<\/strong><\/h2>\n