The Connection Between Exercise and a Healthy Brain

Elder Care in Water Mill NY

It is well known that exercise can prevent many chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.  Regular exercise improves heart health, promotes healthy body weight, and it can help keep the bones and muscles strong.  Now, studies are showing that exercise is also important for brain health and that regular exercise can even lower a person’s risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease.  Read on to learn more about how exercise can help your loved one to have better brain health and what you can do to encourage them to stay on track with a regular exercise routine.

Why is exercise good for the brain?

The area of the brain that is responsible for memory (called the hippocampus) actually decreases in size as people age.  This shrinking is what leads to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.  Research has shown that having an active lifestyle that consists of moderate to vigorous exercise several times per week can actually increase the size of the hippocampus.  In addition, since exercise is great for the heart, it is great for the brain, as well.  Regard exercise promotes healthy blood pressure levels and healthy blood vessels which leads to healthy blood flow to the brain.

How can I help my loved one to have better brain health through exercising?

Exercising regularly is a key element to having a healthy lifestyle and it can be done in conjunction with eating a healthy diet, getting regular medical check ups, and following through with a doctor’s advice. If your loved one is interested in beginning an exercise routine, here are some ways you can be supportive and help out:

• Before they begin an exercise program, be sure that they talk to their doctor about its safety.  A doctor may be able to recommend some appropriate and healthy activities for them to do.
• Encourage both strength training and cardio.  Strength training is an important element in a good exercise routine and it shouldn’t be ignored.  Strength training can be easily added to your loved one’s walking, swimming, or cycling routine by doing strengthening exercises for 10 minutes before or after.
• Encourage them to try group exercise if they have trouble getting motivated.  Group exercise can help them to feel more accountable and it can encourage them to try new activities.
• If your loved one enjoys being in the water, water exercises such as lap swimming or water aerobics can be great choices, especially if they struggle with joint pain.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional elder care in Water Mill, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.

Source: http://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-2016/exercise-for-brain-health-ea.html