Different kinds of physical activity shown to improve brain volume & cut Alzheimer's risk in half

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-03/ip-dko030916.php

Public Release: 11-Mar-2016
Different kinds of physical activity shown to improve brain volume & cut Alzheimer's risk in half
Combined UCLA and University of Pittsburgh study links increased brain volumes with improved memory health
IOS Press

A new study shows that a variety of physical activities from walking to gardening and dancing can improve brain volume and cut the risk of Alzheimer's disease by 50%.

This research, conducted by investigators at UCLA Medical Center and the University of Pittsburgh, is the first to show that virtually any type of aerobic physical activity can improve brain structure and reduce Alzheimer's risk. The study, funded by the National Institute of Aging, was published on March 11 in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.

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The results of the analysis showed that increasing physical activity was correlated with larger brain volumes in the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes including the hippocampus. Individuals experiencing this brain benefit from increasing their physical activity experienced a 50% reduction in their risk of Alzheimer's dementia. Of the roughly 25% in the sample who had mild cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer's, increasing physical activity also benefitted their brain volumes.

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