“An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” 
~    Henry David Thoreau

 

 

I recently read an article in the L.A. Times confirming that a single bout of vigorous exercise releases norepinephrine which can enhance memory in seniors.  Researchers at the University of California in Irvine "recruited 31 healthy older adults with an average age of 69, and 23 subjects who had been diagnosed with 'amnestic' mild cognitive impairment -- memory loss that is problematic but which falls short of Alzheimer's disease. All were shown a series of 20 emotionally positive images -- beautiful landscapes, baby animals, sports scenes. And then, half of those in each group were put on treadmills to exercise for six minutes at 70% of their aerobic maximum. Subjects in the other half of each group were allowed to sit quietly."

 

An hour after the workout (or sit) the subjects were given a "free-recall" test and asked to describe in detail the photos they had seen.  The subjects with normal memory function had increased recall of 30%, and those with amnestic mild cognitive impairment who were included in the exercise group improved their recall even more by remembering twice the number of photos and details than did those who didn't exercise.  http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-memory-seniors-exercise-20121128,0,6260485.story.  Researchers further determined that for both groups even a brisk walk around the block boosted recall of information learned just before the walk.

 

An earlier study, funded by the National Institute on Aging, was conducted at the University of Colorado in Boulder reflecting that a small amount of physical exercise can protect seniors from long-term memory loss which may happen suddenly following infection, illnesses or injury.  "Past research has shown that exercise in humans protects against declines in cognitive function associated with aging and protects against dementia. Researchers also have shown that dementia is often preceded by bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, or other immune challenges."  CU-Boulder Research Associate Ruth Barrientos stated that the study found that "small amounts of voluntary exercise prevented the priming of microglia, the exaggerated inflammation in the brain, and the decrease of growth factors." http://www.colorado.edu/news/releases/2011/08/09/small-amount-exercise-could-protect-against-memory-loss-elderly-cu-study.

 

We all know exercise is good for our bodies but it is important to know that it is equally necessary for our memory and mental well-being.   To stay healthy mentally and physically we must keep a positive attitude, endeavor to have a full and creative life ... and, by all means, keep on moving.♥

 

 

 





As we age, we become more concerned about memory loss.  I frequently write notes to myself or send myself emails and phone messages of things I need to remember later when I am at home. 

I have found a few free online memory assessment tests which you may take if you are concerned about memory loss.  The Alzheimer's Reading Room provides one fairly simple test:  http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/p/topic-test-your-memory-for-alzheimers.html.   The website states that "The research from this Alzheimer's memory test, Self-Administered Geocognitive Examination (SAGE), shows that four out of five people (80 percent) with memory issues will be detected by this test. Ninety-five percent (95) of people who are normal thinking (memory) will have normal SAGE scores."

The Working Memory Institute also provides one for adults and students which may be found here: http://www.workingmemory.com.au/free-emory-assessment-quiz/.  Fortunately, most of us just have occasional mild memory lapses which may be frustrating but are not cause for concern.  But, as mentioned previously in this blog, we need to continue to "use it or lose it."  By deciphering crossword puzzles, playing word games, brain teasers, card games, reading, learning a new skill or hobby, acquiring good sleeping habits, eating healthy and getting frequent exercise, we can fight further memory loss and dementia. ♥