A new study in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine has associated increased physical activity with a lower risk of age-related cognitive decline.
It's the most popular story on today's Huffington Post Health blog, and it's one that potentially concerns the mental well-being of millions of adults. According to the source, a new study in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine has associated increased physical activity with a lower risk of age-related cognitive decline.
Simply put, researchers are finding that endeavoring to improve the health and fitness of one's brain may mean taking care of the body. This indicates that holistic regimens like yoga may play an important role in the pursuit of overall wellness.
The recent scientific investigation bruited about by the Huffington Post was conducted by a team of French and American scientists and presented at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease in Paris.
Researchers said that previous studies have linked exercise to a lower risk of cognitive decline, but they pointed out that many of these papers relied on self-reported information from participants, which can undermine a hypothesis's credibility.
To remedy this situation, the group calculated the "activity energy expenditure" – meaning the energy used for anything more than simply breathing and sitting still – of 197 men and women.
Scientists also measured the participants' mental acuity at the beginning of the investigation and then again two or five years later.
After adjusting for other health factors, the team determined that the most active adults were 9 percent less likely to experience cognitive decline, compared to those who were least active.
So, why use yoga, tai chi, stretching or even just walking to improve health? Because, as the evidence suggests, it may keep your mind as healthy as your body.
Considering the rising incidence of Alzheimer's syndrome in the U.S., yoga and exercise could prove quite a boon to those looking to stay sharp. An estimated one in eight Americans suffers from the condition, according to the Alzheimer's Association.
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Tags: improve health, improve health and fitness, improve health outcomes, walking to improve health
