University of Maryland researchers found that healthy adults ages 55–85 did better on a memory task just after a moderate exercise session than they did after resting. Measurements of brain activity showed significantly more activation in memory-related areas of the brain immediately following physical activity.

“Just like a muscle adapts to repeated use, single sessions of exercise may flex cognitive neural networks in ways that promote adaptations over time and [lead] to increased network integrity and function and allow more efficient access to memories,” said principal investigator J. Carson Smith, PhD, associate professor of kinesiology in the University of Maryland School of Public Health.

The study was published in the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society (2019; 25 [6], 557–68).

Shirley Archer, JD, MA

Shirley Archer, JD, MA, is an internationally acknowledged integrative health and mindfulness specialist, best-selling author of 16 fitness and wellness books translated into multiple languages and sold worldwide, award-winning health journalist, contributing editor to Fitness Journal, media spokesperson, and IDEA's 2008 Fitness Instructor of the Year. She's a 25-year industry veteran and former health and fitness educator at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, who has served on multiple industry committees and co-authored trade books and manuals for ACE, ACSM and YMCA of the USA. She has appeared on TV worldwide and was a featured trainer on America's Next Top Model.

1 Comment

  1. Tiru Abebe on November 23, 2019 at 4:48 pm

    I work in the memory care in assisted living asmall movement excercise matter how the resident respond .

    Reply

Leave a Comment





Recent Comments

When you buy something using the retail links in our content, we may earn a small commission. IDEA Health and Fitness Association does not accept money for editorial reviews. Read more about our Terms & Conditions and our Privacy Policy.

Personal Training

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

Cropped portrait of a happy senior man standing alone before a yoga session in his back garden

Yoga for the Back

Teach your clients this yoga sequence to help them keep their backs pain-free.
Causes of inflammation

How Exercise Helps Inflammation

Regular exercise helps inflammation as an effective protector and treatment against chronic diseases associated with low-grade inflammation.

ADVERTISEMENT