(Reuters) – Older adults who prefer movement to help their brain functions have a wide range of physical exercises to choose from, according to a research review.
The review found that among the many options for training over the age of 50, Tai Chi may have the most impact on cognitive functions, but aerobics and resistance exercises may also have some advantages.
Tai Chi is a Chinese sport that combines deep breathing with slow, graceful movements.
“Age is a risk factor that can not be avoided when it comes to cognitive decline and other neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia or Alzheimer’s,” said Joe Northty of the Institute of Sport and Exercise Research at Canberra University in Australia.
“As our study shows, doing aerobics and moderate resistance training for only a few days during the week is an easy and effective way to improve the way our brains work, while also limiting the impact of other risk factors on cognitive decline such as obesity and diabetes.”
Some previous research suggests that options for a healthy lifestyle such as avoiding smoking, a balanced diet and exercise may help stop the cognitive decline that occurs with age, but these studies have shown a swinging picture of the best types of activity.
Dr. Jeffrey Burns, co-director of Kansas City University’s Alzheimer’s Center in Kansas City, who did not participate in the study, said, “More exercise is done to bring benefits to the brain than it does modestly, but we also know that some are better than nothing, especially for other physical benefits.
“So the main message from this study is not to exercise only for heart health but also to promote brain health.”
