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Scientists have demonstrated that moderately active rats have healthier DNA and more robust brain cells than their less active counterparts. This is the first study to show that lifelong exercise actually decreases cellular aging in the brain. Enjoyable Light Exercise In the study, the animals were not forced to run; they only did as much exercise as they found enjoyable -- what would translate to a daily 30-minute walk or a light 1-mile run in a human. Brains Like Rats a Quarter of Their Age At the end of the experiment, the brains of the rats were examined. The more active rats were found to have fewer byproducts of oxidative stress in their brains. In fact, the DNA for those animals, after two years, looked much like those of their younger counterparts of only about 6 months of age. Oxidative Damage Oxidative damage in the brain contributes to memory loss, and has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. |
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EurekAlert November 12, 2005 |
Hmm... one of my former supervisors used to refer to morning sex as his form of exercise. Despite that, and contrary to the article, his brain was singularly disfunctional.
I walk every day, rain, shine, snow and I just don't feel right if I miss a day