In a new study, researchers found that just 10 minutes of exercise a day may help sharpen mental prowess.
The research was conducted by a team from the Boston University School of Medicine.
The team looked 2,770 participants in the Framingham Heart Study who were divided into two groups: middle-aged and older.
The Framingham study has followed the health and habits of its original participants from Massachusetts and their descendants since 1948.
Results showed that roughly 10 to 20 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity a day was associated with better brain function for both groups.
For the middle-age group, just 10 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity was linked to better verbal memory.
For the older group, the total amount of activity—not the intensity—corresponded to stronger mental skills.
The team says the findings are very important for older people, who may find it difficult or impossible to meet the current exercise guidelines.
Those guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity for them.
A 2018 update of those guidelines does say older adults should do as much exercise as their health safely allows, and for all adults, any exercise is better than none.
About 80% of older Americans have at least one chronic disease and 77% have at least two, according to the National Council on Aging.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 40% of seniors have a disability.
The lead author of the study is Nicole Spartano, a research assistant professor at the Boston University School of Medicine.
The study is published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions.
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