Physical exercise is good for health and is key to enjoying active aging, but researchers continue to study what impact really has on the brain as we age, and a new scientific review suggests that its effects could be more important than it was believed so far and exposes the need to rethink global recommendations on physical activity, especially in relation to the prevention of cognitive deterioration.
This new work challenges the current guidelines of the World Health Organization, which recommend making at least 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise and proposes, however, Small dose of high intensity exercise because, according to their conclusions, resistance training and good physical condition can reduce the risk of dementia and promote healthy brain aging.
“The evidence indicates that brief episodes of high intensity exercise could provide equal benefits or even higher than those of the most prolonged moderate exercise, when it is a healthy brain aging,” explained Dr. Walker, a researcher at Queensland Brain Institute (Australia) and co -author of the study. “And it’s never too late to start,” adds Atefe R. Tari, first author of the study.
Reach up to 85% of the maximum heart rate during exercise seems to favor brain health by improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation and enhancing neuronal plasticity, which are key factors to protect the brain against cognitive deterioration. In addition, since many people do not even reach the recommended 150 minutes, the study authors believe that modifying the guidelines to include short, but intense sessions, could motivate more people to adopt active habits.
The neuroprotective mechanisms of the exercise
The review has been published in The Lancet And in it the most relevant studies carried out both in humans and animals were collected and analyzed on the impact of the exercise in the healthy aging of the brain. The results showed how physical activity affects inflammation, blood flow, immune function, cerebral plasticity and the release of blood protective molecules, which are processes that are weakened with age and contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
However, the authors emphasize that more clinical trials are still needed in humans to define precisely what type of exercise is more effective in maintaining cognitive health over the years. “We hope that this review helps scientists design consistent and controlled human clinical trials investigating the neuroprotective mechanisms of the exercise to help determine what the optimal prescription would be for healthy aging,” said Dr. Walker.
“With a world population that ages rapidly and the age being the greatest unmodifiable risk factor for dementia, we face an important public health challenge.” “The exercise offers us an accessible and low -cost prevention strategy in the global effort to combat cognitive deterioration related to age,” concludes the expert
The Queensland Brain Institute team, together with researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), is developing a longitudinal study in mice to continue exploring the effects of exercise at the brain level. Specifically, Dr. Walker directs a line of research centered on exerquins, proteins and metabolites that are released in the body in response to the exercise and that could have an indirect effect – and also direct – on the brain. One of the compounds they are studying is platelet factor 4 (PF4), which after exercise seems to stimulate neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity and memory in aged mice.
“The exercise offers us an accessible and low -cost prevention strategy in the global effort to combat cognitive deterioration related to age”
“We believe it is time for health authorities to provide clearer advice on the importance of exercise for the brain. Our analysis demonstrates that even small doses of high intensity activity – which is right to walk at a light pace without being able to sing – They can reduce the risk of dementia by up to 40%highlighted Professor Ulrik Wisløff, of the Cardiac Exercise Research Group (CERG) in NTNU in a note published by the center.
Tari and Wisløff believe that this new study makes it even more important to spread the message. Current recommendations emphasize total activity, but we show that even small amounts of high intensity exercise have an effect on the brain. This should communicate more clearly; It could be what motivates people to start. A little is better than anything, and it’s never too late to start, says Tari.
As life expectancy increases, cognitive deterioration and dementia are becoming an important public health problem. Since there is still no cure, prevention is crucial. “The exercise is economical, accessible and has no side effects. It should be considered a first -line measure to preserve brain health,” Tari concludes.
Source: www.webconsultas.com