The human brain’s hippocampus shrinks in late adulthood. This is thought to lead to memory impairment and risk for dementia. Researchers compared the impact of moderate exercise (three 40-minute sessions a week) on hippocampal volume and spatial memory of 120 adults, aged 55-80, with a control group that only did stretching and toning exercises. After one year, MRI tests revealed that the hippocampus significantly increased in the exercise group and declined with stretching. Spatial memory increased proportionally to the increase in fitness.
PositiveTip: Regular exercise yields impressive results for our bodies and minds. It really doesn’t take a lot, either!