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As we get older, one of the greatest concerns is the risk of cognitive decline . But while dementia affects millions of people, it is not a "normal" part of the aging process , according to the National Institute of Aging. So even if it can be feel As a circumstance out of your control, there are several steps that you can take to keep your mind lively. Even better, it doesn't need to be super intensive. In fact, a new study has revealed that only four minutes of exercise can help keep your brain young.

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The study, which has recently been published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease , looked at the effect of Moderate and vigorous physical activity On the brain of 10,125 healthy participants aged 18 to 97 (average age of 53). The study was conducted by researchers from the Pacific Brain Health Center (PBHC) at the Providence Center for Saint John in California.

Interestingly, the 7,606 participants who declared regularly engaging in physical activities such as race, walking or sports, had greater brain volumes, according to a December on December 11 Press release . It was true for participants of all ages - and for those who did the exercise to Less than four minutes a day (or 25 minutes per week), per The Washington Post .

Cyrus A. Raji , MD, principal researcher and associate professor of radiology and neurology at the University of Washington in St. Louis, told the Wapo That investigators were curious about the effects of a "very low threshold for the exercise", as larger targets of 10,000 steps or 150 minutes per week may be difficult to reach. They identified 25 minutes a week as an amount that "seemed to be feasible" for the most part.

The researchers were able to determine the volume of the brain using MRI analyzes of the whole body, then using artificial intelligence (AI) to help compare this to exercise habits. The men and women who obtained at least 25 minutes of exercise had a larger volume - and even if the differences were not huge, said Raji Wapo They were still significant.

Looking further on the brain tissues, they found that the exercises had greater brain volumes in "key areas". This included gray matter, which helps process information, and the hippocampus, which deals with memory, according to the press release. These tend to shrink with age, potentially increasing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, according to Wapo .

"Our research supports previous studies that show that being physically active is good for your brain," Raji said in the press release. "The exercise not only reduces the risk of dementia, but also helps maintain brain size, which is crucial as we get older."

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And like Better life recently reported, the study also revealed that taking less than 4,000 stages A day can positively affect brain health. "It is much less than the 10,000 stages often suggested, making it a more feasible goal for many people", " David Ignite , MD, co-author of the study and director of the PBHC, added in the press release.

Wapo Underlined that the study is associated, which means that it is not clear if the exercise has directly led to a greater brain and the way the exercise could do so. However, the researchers said Wapo That they are optimistic about the results, which suggests that physical activity could reduce inflammation in the brain and also help create new brain cells and blood vessels.

Raji specifically said that exercise can facilitate a "structural brain reserve" to protect us when the brains decrease in size with age.

"With complete imaging analyzes, our study underlines the interconnected synergy between the body and the brain. Raj Attariwala Said MD, radiologist and nuclear medicine doctor in the press release.

Attariwala continued: "This research highlights an easy way to keep our brain healthy: stay active! Whether it's a daily walk or a favorite sport, regular physical activity can have advantages lasting for our brain health. "

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Best Life offers the most up -to -date information for high -level experts, new research and health agencies, but our content is not supposed to replace professional advice. Regarding the medication you take or any other health issue you have, always consult your health care provider directly.