Fitness Friday

How Physical Exercise Prevents Dementia

Physical exercise is beneficial for preventing cognitive impairment and dementia in old age.  Gerontologist and sports physician at Goethe University Frankfurt examined the effects of regular exercise on brain metabolism.  He took 60 participants ages 65 to 85 and a randomized control group.  There conclusion was that regular exercise not only enhanced fitness but also had a positive impact on brain metabolism.

The participants were examined by assessing movement-related parameters, cardiopulmonary fitness and cognitive performance.  Magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to measure brain metabolism and brain structure.  The participants mounted and exercise bike three times a week for 12 weeks.  A 30 minute training session was individually adapted for each participants training level.

Physical activity had influenced brain metabolism which prevented an increase in choline.  The concentration of this metabolite often rises as a result of an increased loss of nerve cells, typically found in cases of Alzheimers disease. Physical exercise led to stable cerebral choline concentrations where the control group had an increase in choline levels.  Physical exercise improves physical fitness and also protects cells.