In a new study, researchers found that even just one session of workout may benefit memory in older people.
A short exercise could increase activation in the brain circuits associated with memory.
These brain circuits are harmed by aging and attacked first in Alzheimer’s disease.
The finding shows that exercise can bring quick health benefits to our brain.
The research was conducted by a team from the University of Maryland.
In the study, the team measured the brain activity of healthy participants ages 55-85 using fMRI.
These people performed a memory task that involved recognizing famous names and non-famous ones.
After the memory task, they performed some moderately intense exercise on an exercise bike and on a separate day after a period of rest.
The researchers found that remembering famous names could activate a neural network related to semantic memory.
This type of memory becomes worse over time with memory loss.
Moreover, brain activity in several brain regions was stronger after exercise compared to after rest.
The team suggests that even a short session of exercise can impact brain regions that play big roles in memory function.
The finding provides new evidence that exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and may benefit people’s health.
The lead author of the study is Dr. J. Carson Smith, an associate professor of kinesiology at the University of Maryland School of Public Health.
The study is published in the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society.
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