Aerobics has improved the memory of the elderly by almost 50%

A new study by American scientists published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease scrutinized the impact of aerobic memory exercises. It turned out that one year of regular aerobic exercises can improve blood flow in those parts of the brain responsible for memory, which in turn slows down the development of Alzheimer's disease in old age. 

Recently, there has been an increasing attention in scientific society on how exercise can help prevent Alzheimer's disease. Previous studies have shown that aerobics can improve cognitive function in older persons.

The aim of the new study was to research changes of brain activity in memory-related areas before and after aerobic training for 12 months. For this purpose, specialists selected patients with mild cognitive impairment (mean age ≈66 years) and divided them into two groups: the first group was engaged in aerobics and the second group performed stretching exercises. All participants were given an MRI at the beginning of the experiment and after a year. The training was conducted three times a week, one session lasted 25-30 minutes. The frequency and duration increased over time.

As a result, after 12 months of regular aerobic training, participants' memory performance improved by 47% compared to stretch marks. Brain scans showed increased blood flow in the anterior cingulate and hippocampus (these areas play a key role in memory processes).

The authors of the study conclude that aerobic exercises can be a good prevention against Alzheimer's disease, as they slow down the development of cognitive impairment in old age.