Typically when you hear the phrase “move it or lose it” it refers to losing muscle strength from lack of exercise. However a recent study from University of Miami showed that lack of exercise can result in cognitive decline in older people by 10 years.
Another study released earlier this year by Boston University found increased blood flow resulting from physical activity protected brain volume, which also protects its ability to function properly.
“Physical activity is an attractive option to reduce the burden of cognitive impairment in public health because it is low cost and doesn’t interfere with medications,” Dr. Clinton Wright, an associate professor of neurology at the University of Miami, said in a press release.
Overall, the researchers report people without signs of cognitive impairment who exercised the least when the study started showed a more significant decline in brain function equivalent to about 10 years of aging.
“The number of people over the age of 65 in the United States is on the rise, meaning the public health burden of thinking and memory problems will likely grow,” Wright said. “Our study showed that for older people, getting regular exercise may be protective, helping them keep their cognitive abilities longer.”
