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Another reason to extend exercise intensity: It can keep your brain young. An observational study published online March 23, 2016. Neurology examined 876 people, with a mean age of 71 years, who were enrolled within the Northern Manhattan Study. Participants were asked how long and the way often they exercised before the study. About 90% reported either no exercise or light exercise, corresponding to walking and yoga. 10% did high-intensity activities corresponding to running and aerobics.
After a median of seven years, every person underwent a brain MRI and tests of memory and pondering abilities. The tests were repeated five years later.
Looking at individuals who had no symptoms of memory or pondering problems in the beginning of the study, the researchers found that those that reported low activity levels had higher mental scores over five years than those with high activity levels. A decrease was observed. According to the researchers, this difference was comparable to 10 years of brain age. The effect held even after the researchers adjusted for other aspects that affect brain health, corresponding to smoking, alcohol use, hypertension, and body mass index.
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