10 minutes of activity can improve brain function - study shows

Scientists followed 279 people aged between 40 and 91 who wore fitness bracelets for a month. This allowed them to accurately track their daily activities, from walking to household chores.

The participants then underwent MRI scans of their brains and were asked to take tests on memory, attention and decision-making ability.

Details

The main finding:
it's not the total number of steps that matters, but the pattern of activity.

The best results came from people who:

• moved regularly
• move for at least 10 minutes at a time
• walked at a moderately brisk pace

Why it's important

This activity is associated with better brain white matter - this is the important part of the brain that is responsible for transmitting signals between different areas.

Also, these people had better functioning functions that help:

• concentrate
• plan
• make decisions

Even those who didn't do "conscious" exercise, but just moved around a lot during the day, also benefited.

That is, any movement is better than no movement at all.

Short but regular periods of activity can be more effective than infrequent and long workouts.

You don't have to exhaust yourself with workouts to keep your brain healthy. Sometimes it's enough to move regularly for even 10 minutes at a time - but at a good pace.

Source

Alzheimer's Research & Therapy