Exercise and New Brain Cells

If you are concerned about your memory and the future of your memory, read on. Regular exercise produces new brain cells in the area of the brain essential for memory – the dentate gyrus. Exercise increases the blood flow into the brain and boosts the production of new neurons. A study in 2006 found that in a group of over 60 year olds who did regular aerobic exercise – an hour walking at a pace of 3 miles an hour 3 times a week – had increased brain volumes in the frontal lobes gray matter, the neurons in the while matter of the corpus callosum which connects our two hemispheres. This means that more than memory is improved. Exercisers focus better.

On the other side, obesity when linked with type 2 diabetes gives someone twice the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s as well as all the cardiovascular problems.  The cardio problems link to poorer blood flow to the brain. There is also a link with dementia and inflammation. Inflammation in the body is linked to type 2 diabetes as well.

It’s almost the New Year. Do you need more incentive to exercise?