Keep Your Brain
- Tidbits
- 26 Jul, 2018
Exercise is not something I have taken very seriously. I do not like it. Losing weight and being stronger are admirable goals but not enough to spur me onto a fitness regimen. However, I just read an article in the September AARP Bulletin that really has me convinced that I need to do something. Margery Rosen reported that from physicians to psychologists, there is agreement that exercise is critical for brain function. Cognitive decline is not inevitable. We still make neural connections as long as we live and aerobic exercise starts the process by reducing the level of brain loss and keeping cognitive abilities sharp. John Medina, affiliate professor of bioengineering at the University of Washington School of Medicine says “It also slashes your lifetime risk of Alzheimer’s in half and your risk of general dementia by 60%.” A number of recent studies show that anyone can pump up their brainpower by exercising regularly. Finally, I am ready and willing to tie on my shoes and get going.