Study: Even just "weekend exercise" can benefit brain health

[New Sancai Compilation and First Release] Is it difficult for you to find time to exercise in your busy work? No problem, a new study shows that a "weekend exercise" or two may just as well help keep your brain healthy.

Researchers found that people who exercise regularly, whether on weekends or throughout the week, are more likely to stay sharp as they age than people who never exercise.

Researchers estimate that about 13% of cases of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) could be avoided if all middle-aged adults exercised at least once or twice a week.

The research team, led by Gary O'Donovan, adjunct professor of exercise science, said: "This study is important because it shows that even busy people who participate in sports and exercise once or twice a week can There are also cognitive health benefits.”

For the study, researchers analyzed data from more than 10,000 people in Mexico City. All participants were asked how often they exercised or participated in sports, and they also took part in cognitive function tests.

Some people exercise once or twice a week, while regularly active people say they exercise three or more times a week.

Over an average of 16 years of follow-up, about 26% of never-exercisers developed mild cognitive impairment, compared with 14% of weekend exercisers and 19% of regular exercisers.

Overall, each person who was physically active had a 16% lower risk of MCI than someone who never exercised.

Compared with people who do not exercise, people who exercise only on weekends are 25% less likely to develop MCI, while people who exercise regularly are 11% less likely to develop MCI.

Researchers say exercise may benefit the brain by promoting the production of healthy neurochemicals and supporting the brain's ability to change and adapt.

"Physical activity is also associated with larger brain size, stronger executive functions and stronger memory," the researchers said.

The researchers concluded that this study shows that regular exercise can protect brain health, even if it's just a few times a week.

The findings were published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine on October 29.

"To our knowledge, this study is the first prospective cohort study to show that weekend exercise activity patterns and regular exercise activity patterns are associated with similar reductions in the risk of mild dementia," the team wrote.

"This study has important implications for policy and practice, as weekend physical activity patterns may be a more convenient option for busy people," they concluded.

(Compiled by: Wang Jimin)

(Editor: Jiang Qiming)

(Source of the article: Compiled and published by New Sancai)