Last week, in a landmark paper, researchers announced that they had coaxed the human brain into growing new nerve cells, a process that for decades had been thought impossible, simply by putting subjects on a three-month aerobic-workout regimen. Other scientists have found that vigorous exercise can cause older nerve cells to form dense, interconnected webs that make the brain run faster and more efficiently. And there are clues that physical activity can stave off the beginnings of Alzheimer's disease, ADHD and other cognitive disorders. No matter your age, it seems, a strong, active body is crucial for building a strong, active mind.
That is from the current edition of Newsweek, the cover story in fact. It's so exciting to see more and more scientific proof supporting the countless health benefits of exercise.
In addition to the unprecedented research findings above, here are some other highlights from the article:
- A University of Illinois study showed that on the whole, more physically fit subjects scored consistently higher scores on math and reading tests than their less fit counterparts.
- New brain scanning technologies and new discoveries in biochemistry show that muscle contractions cause a protein called IGF-1 to be released into the bloodstream then directly into the brain, where it induces the brain to produce BDNF, an important chemical. With more BDNF available, the brain's nerve cells start to branch out, join together and communicate with each other in new ways.
- Active adults have less inflammation in the brain. They also have fewer minor strokes that can impair cognition without the person even knowing.
- At schools in Naperville, Ill., students with poor verbal skills recently started taking gym class immediately before reading class. Their report cards are already looking better.
- Early studies suggest that people who exercise at least a few times a week tend to develop Alzheimer's less often and later than their more sedentary counterparts.
