More Exercise for Health Brain

Lack of exercise at 40 accelerates brain and body ageing, a study has claimed.

10:27 31 December 2016

A US study has found a link between being unfit at 40 with a smaller brain volume at 60.

 

The study followed 1,583 people with an average of 40. They were made to take a  treadmill test and then MRI brain scans after two decades.

 

Lead researcher Dr Nicole Spartano, of the Boston University School of Medicine, said: "We found a direct correlation in our study between poor fitness and brain volume decades later, which indicates accelerated brain ageing,"

 

"While not yet studied on a large scale, these results suggest that fitness in middle age may be particularly important for the many millions of people around the world who already have evidence of heart disease," she added.

 

Dr Laura Phipps, of Alzheimer's Research UK, said: "While it's hard to conclude from these kinds of studies whether one factor definitely caused the other, the findings add to a growing body of evidence that poor cardiovascular health throughout life could have a negative effect on the brain.

 

"Current evidence suggests the best way to maintain a healthy brain is to keep physically and mentally active, eat a balanced diet, not smoke, drink only within recommended limits and keep diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol in check."