Movement studies Hiking can significantly improve brain function

Doctors are studying the effects of regular walking on our brain activity
Researchers found that walking at moderate intensity can reduce symptoms of mild cognitive impairment. For example, this could help people with so-called vascular dementia to reduce the negative effects of their condition. The findings were currently presented.

Researchers at the University of British Columbia and the University of Iowa found that regular walking can reduce cognitive impairment caused by poor blood vessel health in our brains. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "British Journal of Sports Medicine".

Hiking can improve cognitive health in the elderly. In addition, regular exercise at moderate intensity reduces possible cognitive impairment. (Image: marioArte / fotolia.com)

Regular walking improved response times and general brain function
When participants in the vascular cognitive impairment study, also referred to as vascular dementia, walked three hours a week over a six-month period, response times and overall brain function improved, the experts explain.

Vascular cognitive impairment is triggered by damage to blood vessels
Vascular cognitive impairment refers to mildly impaired thinking or advanced dementia. The disease is caused by damage to blood vessels, which can also cause symptoms elsewhere in the human body such as heart disease. Such damages are the second leading cause of dementia after Alzheimer's disease, say the scientists.

Compromised blood flow to the brain seems to be the trigger of the problems
It is already known that regular aerobic exercise improves cardiovascular health and cerebrovascular health, says author Teresa Liu-Ambrose. In particular, the exercise reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, type II diabetes and high cholesterol levels. Such diseases have a negative impact on the brain. Liu-Ambrose of the University of British Columbia adds that compromised blood flow to the brain is the trigger.

The human brain needs to be adequately supplied with blood
The brain is a highly metabolic organ and, to keep it healthy, it requires a good flow of blood that supplies the necessary nutrients and oxygen to the tissues of the brain. It is also worth noting that in our study, reduced blood pressure was also associated with improved cognitive function, says the researcher. Exercise and exercise can boost the brain by increasing so-called growth factors.

Subject group had to walk for three months a week for six months
The physicians examined 38 older adults with mild vascular cognitive impairment in their study. The subjects were divided into two different groups. One group followed an aerobic exercise program, which consisted of three one-hour walking classes per week for a six-month period, say the physicians. The other group just continued with their usual care. Both groups were additionally informed about vascular cognitive impairment and received tips for a healthier diet, the researchers add.

Hiking resulted in significant improvements in response times in cognitive testing
Before the start of the training program, and also at the end of the six months, all participants underwent functional MRI brain scans and tests of neuronal activity and cognitive abilities. People from the walking group showed significant improvements in their response times in cognitive testing. In addition, they showed changes in their brain activity, which more closely resembled that of healthy brains. The comparison group showed no particular changes.

Hiking promotes cognitive health in older adults
Overall, sufficient exercise and walking seem to be a promising strategy for promoting cognitive health in older adults, said author Liu-Ambrose. However, further research is needed to better understand the cause of the benefits. (As)