It’s no secret that exercise is good for your health. However, the full extent of the benefits of regular physical activity is still a subject of ongoing research. One recent breakthrough—on the study of the effects of exercise—has shown that getting regular physical activity can preserve synaptic activity in older adults. In other words, it can prevent the damage to the brain tissue that commonly leads to age-related cognitive decline and dementia.
The Ongoing Cognitive Benefits of Exercise
You may already know that working out can affect the body long after you’ve left the gym. One way in which your body continues to reap the benefits of exercise is with the preservation of presynaptic protein levels in the brain. These proteins are necessary for synaptic activity, which is what drives memory and cognitive function. Even better, there’s no age limit on the benefits that exercise can have on the brain. Even in adults who have shown signs of cognitive decline, increasing physical activity can support healthier brain function and even repair existing damage.
How Much Exercise Do You Need?
Any amount or type of exercise is better than none at all. However, experts recommend that older adults get about 20-30 minutes of moderate exercise daily—something as simple as a brisk walk will do the trick. If you aren’t currently active, you may need to build up to this goal gradually. Start with a 5-10 minute walk and ramp up from there.
For personalized recommendations to help you get physically active for the sake of your cognitive and mental health, connect with a medical professional via MeMD. Our convenient telehealth visits will let you have a doctor’s visit on short notice with no appointment necessary.
