Long Walk to the Fishing Hole

SHORT DESCRIPTION: New studies show the benefits of physical activity and
omega-3s on keeping the elderly brain agile and away from Alzheimer's disease
or other dementias.

BODY OF ARTICLE: Copyright (c) 2006 The Brain Code LLC

I have previously written about the power of exercise and omega-3s to protect
the brain and improve function. Several more studies, released this week, added
support for methods to keep elderly brains fit and agile.

Exercise Improves Brain Function

The first, published in the Journal of Gerontology and highlighted in the Wall
Street Journal, demonstrates that a few hours of aerobic exercise a week helps
keep brains young. The study followed three groups of adults, aged 60-79. One
group performed aerobic training by walking around a gym for an hour a day,
three days a week. The second group performed non-aerobic training by
stretching and doing some resistance exercises. The third group did not
exercise.

The study found that after only three months, the aerobic exercise group (but
neither of the other groups) increased their grey matter in frontal brain
regions that control higher functions, like memory, multi-tasking, focus and
decision-making. The aerobic group also increased the volume of white matter
tracks that cross the brain and carry communication signals between the two
brain halves. The researchers likened the changes that occurred over the
three-month exercise period as equivalent to making the brain three years
younger!

Exercise Increases Independence

A second study published in the same issue of the Journal of Gerontology showed
that seniors enrolled in an exercise program improved their physical fitness
and independence level over those that were simply ‘educated' about healthy
living. After 6 – 12 months in the program, seniors that received physical
fitness training were able to walk longer distances at higher speeds than those
that just received information about exercise and nutrition. The study cited the
importance of increasing independence in senior citizens in an age where medical
science is extending the average life span of our population. Committing to
healthy lifestyle choices will help us live longer and not just die slower.

Omega-3s Decrease Dementia

Finally, a third study was the most recent in a string of evidence touting the
benefits of fish for brain health. This recent study actually looked at the
levels of DHA, an omega-3 fat obtained from fish, in the blood of about 900
seniors (average age of 76). They showed that seniors with higher levels of the
omega-3 fat in their blood had the lowest chance of dementia from Alzheimer's
disease or other reasons. In fact, the seniors in the top 25% of blood omega-3
content were about 50% less likely to succumb to the debilitating cognitive
disease. The average intake of fish in these top performers was about 3
servings per week or 180 mg of DHA per day, which can be obtained from
supplements.

These studies all sum up the importance of lifestyle choices on healthy brains
and bodies in the later years. So when you see your grandparents this holiday
season, plan a fishing trip. Dust off the poles and reels and take them for a
walk down to the creek. A little aerobic activity, some fresh air and a dose of
omega-3s will help them stay mentally and physically healthy.

RESOURCE BOX: Boost your Family's Brain Fitness in 30 days with Natural
Strategies used by an Expert Brain Scientist and Sports Coach. Learn how at
http://www.thebraincode.com

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

----- End forwarded message -----