Lack of Exercise In Mid-Life May Age Brain as Well as Body

Lack of Exercise in Middle Age – Affect Brain & Body

A new study from the Boston University School of Medicine had suggested that lack of exercise during the middle age could probably affect the brain and the body. The research, a part of the on-going Framingham Heart Study observed that the lack of activity at 40 was connected to considerably smaller brain volume at the age of 60.According to researchers at Boston University, fitness in middle age could be important to people with early signs of heart disease.

The study adds to the increasing indication that heart health could affect brain health in the later stage of life. A related effect was perceived for high blood pressure as well as heart rate in reaction to exercise. The research published in the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology followed people in the average age group of 40 who had not suffered from dementia or heart disease who took to two treadmill test two decades apart together with brain scans to measure the neurological activity.

They were asked to run till they had reached 85% of their maximum heart rate. The figure was then utilised in calculating their total exercise volume. They were excluded from the research if they had been suffering from cardiovascular issues, or had taken beta blockers or were unable to complete the exercise test.

Fitness in Middle Age – Important

The study also indicated that people who tend to have blood pressure and heart rate going on a higher rate during exercise was also more likely to have smaller brain volumes two decades later. It was observed that there was a direct correlation between fitness levels and the brain volume.Nicole Spartano, lead researcher of Boston University School of Medicine had commented that they had found a direct correlation in their study between poor fitness and brain volume decades later which indicated the accelerated brain ageing.

Spartano stated that people with poor physical fitness often tend to have higher blood pressure and heart rate responses to low levels of exercise when compared to the people with better fitness. He also observed that the study was observational and does not prove that poor physical fitness could cause a loss of brain volume, it portrays the association. Though not yet studied on a large scale, these results recommend that fitness in middle age could be mostly important for several millions of people all across the world that may have any indication of heart disease.

High Blood Pressure Linked with Dementia

Dr Laura Phipps, of Alzheimer’s Research UK had commented that though it would be hard to conclude from these types of studies whether one factor certainly caused the other, the findings add to a growing body of evidence that poor cardiovascular health throughout the life could have a negative impact on the brain. Present indication recommend that the best way in maintaining a healthy brain is by way of keeping physically and mentally active, eating a balanced diet, refrain from smoke, drink only within recommended limits and keep diabetes, high blood pressure as well as cholesterol under control.

 The outcome could be taken with a pinch of salt since it is not known how important brain size is or what various sizes it could be. It is known that high blood pressure is linked to dementia and hence the study adds to the indications that physical fitness is connected to greater mental aptitude.