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EXCERCISING 3X/WEEK IMPROVES BRAIN FUNCTION

by Smita Patel, DO

3rd-nov-blog



Dear Readers,

Last week I told you about the world-wide effort  What Happens to Our Brain When We're Short on Sleep to better understand the variety of risk factors implicated in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.  Research tells us that the modifiable risk factor most to blame for cases of Alzheimer’s disease around the world is a lack of formal education.  The more we learn and the longer we challenge ourselves scholastically the more resilient our brains become to the presence of disease.

Because earning a formal education is common in this country, this is not the risk factor accountable for most cases of Alzheimer’s here.   In the United States the risk factor most to blame is lack of exercise or a sedentary lifestyle. More than 80% of adults in the United States do not meet physical activity guidelines, which mean more than 80% of us have a powerful opportunity to reduce our risk of Alzheimer’s disease through exercise.

Studies have shown that people who exercise aerobically at least 3 times per week, for at least 40 minutes  have larger brains. Their brains have noticeable growth specifically in the hippocampus, the brain’s memory center. Those who keep this regiment also perform better on cognitive tests.

Exercise stimulates the production of Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor or BDNF.  BDNF has been called “Miracle Gro” for the brain. It is a protein that creates an ideal environment in the brain for the growth of new neurons and it protects existing neurons from dying.  You can’t take BDNF in a pill; your body has to make it.  And, exercise makes it happen!

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Healthy People 2020. Available at: http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/default.aspx.

Erickson KI, Voss MW, Prakash RS, Basak C, Szabo A, Chaddock L et al. Exercise training increases size of hippocampus and improves memory. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011;108:3017-3022.

Dr. Smita Patel, DO, is a neurologist at NorthShore University HealthSystem, and an integral part of NorthShore’s Center for Brain Health. Dr. Patel brings expertise in neurology and sleep along with a proficiency in complementary and integrative medicine to develop tailored health plans for her clients. She is board certified in Neurology and Sleep Medicine. Dr. Patel has participated in clinical research studies in the area of sleep medicine and has written book chapters for several academic publications on neurological disorders. She has a strong interest in researching the cause and treatment of neurological diseases as well as supporting and participating in educational programs. Dr. Patel is part of the integrated team at the Center for Brain Health at NorthShore Neurological Institute, working with patients to reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other brain disorders, and to improve brain health. For more information, please visit  NorthShore Center for Brain Health.

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