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Sturdy exercises always offer the best health benefits. Researchers in a new study, however, have found that even light physical activity, such as walking and cleaning, can keep the brain young.
( Michal Jarmoluk | pixabay )
Performing housework may not be as vigorous as doing cardio exercises at the gym, but a new study suggests that it may help keep the brain young.
The findings provide further evidence that even seemingly small exercises can help keep Alzheimer's disease at bay.
Aging and volume of the brain
In a study published in the journal Jama Network Open On April 19, Nicole Spartarno of Boston University and her colleagues reviewed the three-day activity tracker data of more than 2,300 adults.
The researchers also used brain badysis of these people to determine the volume of their brain, which may be related to aging.
Spartarno explained that about 0.2% of brain volume is lost every year after age 60 and that loss or narrowing of brain tissue is badociated with dementia, which usually affects older people.
The researchers found that each additional hour of light physical activity per day was badociated with a higher brain volume of 0.22%, which corresponds to a cerebral aging of less than one year.
Light physical activity better than nothing
According to the guidelines on physical activity for Americans in 2018, more than 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per week offer the best health benefit, but any physical activity is better than nothing. Spartamo said their study shows the importance of doing light exercises.
"The results of our study do not neglect moderate or vigorous physical activity as an important factor for healthy aging." We simply add to science, suggesting that a light-intensity physical activity might also be important, especially for the brain, "he said.
The researcher added that light activities include a gentle walk or housework.
Health experts said the results are encouraging, as low-intensity physical activity tends to be feasible for most of the middle-aged and older age groups, including those who are less likely to go to school. Structured exercise.
A study published in a newspaper Neurology in January has similar results. The researchers found that older people can protect their brains from dementia by doing housework.
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