High-Intensity Exercise Boosts Memory in Seniors

Researchers interested on the impact of exercise on the brain have shown a remarkable relationship between improved memory in older adults and engaging in high-intensity activities.

The study, published in the journal Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism, makes a strong case for physical activity as a way to delay onset of dementia. “There is urgent need for interventions that reduce dementia risk in healthy older adults. Only recently have we begun to appreciate the role that lifestyle plays, and the greatest modifying risk factor of all is physical activity,” explained lead author, Jennifer Heisz.

For the study, dozens of sedentary but healthy older adults between the ages of 60 and 88 were recruited to participate in weekly sessions over a 12 week period. Some were asked to engage in high-intensity interval training (HIIT), others moderate intensity continuous training (MICT).

High-intensity effort seems to be the key. Looking at outcome comparisons between the high-intensity and the moderate-intensity study group, the seniors engaged in bursts of activity saw an improvement of up to 30% in memory gain versus no improvement for those in the MICT group.

This work builds on earlier research from Heisz and her team that is showing that physical inactivity can be as much a factor for dementia as genetics.

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