Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.
Episode 3425:
Dr. Jenny Brockis explores compelling research showing that regular physical activity, especially walking, can improve concentration, academic performance, emotional well-being, and long-term brain health. Drawing on insights from Dr. John Ratey and studies on memory preservation, she makes a persuasive case that even modest weekly exercise can help protect cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia as we age.
Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.drjennybrockis.com/2010/10/17/why-our-brains-need-us-to-walk/
Quotes to ponder:
"Brain shrinkage is normal. We all start losing brain volume beginning in our twenties, albeit at a very low rate of 0.2% per year."
"If the choice is between taking thirty minutes out of my day to exercise, so that I can keep my brain working the way I want it to for as long as possible or choosing to skip the exercise and just take the risk that memory impairment might hit earlier. I choose to get out there and walk."
"Brain scans performed nine years later showed that those who regularly walked between nine to fourteen kilometres a week retained a greater amount of grey matter ie brain cells, than those who walked less."
Episode references:
UWA UniView Magazine: https://www.uwa.edu.au/news/article
Neurology Journal: https://www.neurology.org
Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain: https://www.amazon.com/Spark-Revolutionary-Science-Exercise-Brain/dp/0316113514
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices