London - It is not only our heart and waistline that benefit from lifelong exercise – our brains do too.
Undertaking physical activity four or more times a week from childhood helps improve brainpower in later life by up to a third – and could help stave off the onset of dementia.
While all adults suffer mental decline with age, playing sport, going to the gym or even just a brisk walk with the dog can help protect the brain, scientists said.
More than 9 000 people took part in a 40-year study from the age of 11. Researchers noted levels of exercise at regular age intervals, and tested their powers of memory, attention, reasoning and learning. Participants who exercised weekly throughout their life performed better in tests at the age of 50 than those who exercised two to three times a month or less, the study found.
Men who undertook physical activity more than four times a week were found to have lost a third less of their brainpower by the age of 50, compared with their peers who did no exercise, while women benefit from a 25 percent reduction. Even those who exercised once a week saw a boost.
Study leader Dr Alex Dregan, from King’s College London, said: “The research shows that any physical activity is beneficial for cognitive function … The results suggest regular physical activity could help delay dementia.” - Daily Mail