Endurance sports strengthens the brain in old age

Regular endurance sports improves the performance of the brain

09/09/2014

Endurance sport is known for its preventive effects on diseases of the cardiovascular system. However, recent studies indicate that the brain of senior citizens also benefits significantly from regular endurance sports, reports Norbert Smetak, chairman of the Federal Association of Established Cardiologists (BNK).

„Regular endurance sport is known to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, but it also appears to help maintain cognitive function in older people's minds“, so the current release of the BNK. The trade association refers to the results of a recent study online in the journal „Neurobiology of Aging“ has been published. These have found that „There is a direct correlation between cardiorespiratory fitness, the elasticity of the main artery (aorta) and brain function.“ Accordingly, the brain could benefit significantly from regular endurance sports in old age.

Improved vascular elasticity through regular endurance sports
„Older adults (55-75 years of age) who had better physical training had a smoother aorta and scored better in a cognitive test than less fit subjects“, BNK reports on the current findings. The BNK chairman Norbert Smetak explained that the blood vessels lose their elasticity with age and stiffening rapidly. First, this age process „in the aorta, which supplies the brain and other body organs with oxygen-enriched blood from the heart.“ Endurance sport could counteract vascular aging, „because, among other things, the increased blood flow during physical activity promotes the elasticity of the vessels“, so Smetak. The improved vascular elasticity is guaranteed „also a better oxygen supply to the brain and its performance thus apparently better than moans“, the cardiologist explained further. Tsar, there are certainly other causes for a diminishing brain function in old age, „but preserving vascular elasticity is one of the mechanisms that makes the anti-aging effect of endurance sports on the heart and brain very understandable.“ (Fp)