Light exercise improves brain

BOOST Take brief strolls

LIGHT exercise for just 10 minutes can ward off dementia, according to scientists.

A stroll to the newsagent or a short session of yoga or tai chi can help stave off the disease.

Using high-resolution MRI scans, the international team examined participants’ brains shortly after exercise sessions.

They found better connectivity between the hippocampal dentate gyrus and the cortex – which is linked to detailed memory processing. Previous studies have shown that exercise helps prevent mental decline in old age by boosting blood flow to the brain

But this research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, indicated an immediate effect, by promoting the generation of new neurons.

Prof Michael Yassa, of Cali- fornia University, in Irvine, said: “What we observed is that these 10-minute periods of exercise showed results immediately afterward.

“Even short walking breaks through the day may have considerable effects on improving memory and cognition.”

The World Health Organisation also says people aged 65 or over should do at least 150 minutes of aerobic physical activity a week including walking, dancing, gardening or cycling.

Earlier this year, a study suggested daily aerobic exercise, such as walking or cycling, is the best way to stave off Alzheimer’s.

The NHS estimates there are 850,000 people in the UK with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia – a figure which is set to rise to two million by 2050. Tell us what you think: yourvoice@mirror.co.uk